Emma Raducanu’s recent performances have left fans and analysts alike expressing concern over her declining form. After her remarkable 2021 US Open victory, expectations soared, but the past year has been challenging for the young Brit.
At the 2024 US Open, Raducanu’s title defense ended abruptly with a first-round loss to Alize Cornet. This defeat led to a significant drop in her WTA ranking, with projections placing her outside the top 80. Reflecting on the loss, Raducanu remarked, “It’s obviously really disappointing, really sad to leave here.”
In February 2024, Raducanu’s performance at the Qatar Open further fueled fan frustrations. She suffered a straight-sets defeat to Anhelina Kalinina, committing 48 unforced errors. One fan expressed their discontent on social media, stating, “She should just retire at this point. It’s a disgrace.”
Compounding these on-court challenges, Raducanu’s off-court situation has also been tumultuous. Her brief partnership with coach Vlado Platenik ended amid reports of mental stress and pressure. Platenik noted that Raducanu was “not OK” during their collaboration.
In response to ongoing fitness concerns, Raducanu withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, choosing to focus on her physical recovery. Her representatives cited the need to manage her well-being, especially after a medical timeout during her Miami quarter-final match.
Financially, Raducanu’s struggles on the court have raised concerns about her lucrative sponsorship deals. With endorsements from brands like Dior and Porsche, experts warn that her marketability is closely tied to her performance. Dr. Rob Wilson commented, “If she doesn’t start winning games… she is going to really struggle to renegotiate or renew any of those commercial endorsements.”
Fans continue to voice their frustrations, with some expressing disappointment over her perceived lack of effort in matches. A Reddit user noted her performance against Ons Jabeur, saying, “She completely gave up at the end. It felt like she could reach that last ball, but she didn’t even try.”
As Raducanu navigates these challenges, both personal and professional, the coming months will be crucial in determining her trajectory in the world of tennis.
