In a heartfelt and revealing interview, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has admitted that she came close to quitting tennis altogether after a tumultuous period following her meteoric rise in 2021.
Raducanu, who stunned the world by winning the US Open as a qualifier at just 18, said the pressure, injuries, and relentless media scrutiny left her feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the sport she once loved.
“There were moments when I genuinely thought about walking away,” Raducanu told *The Guardian*. “I was constantly in pain, mentally and physically. I felt like I couldn’t live up to the expectations people had after New York.”
The years following her historic Grand Slam win were marked by inconsistency on court and frequent changes in her coaching staff, along with a string of injuries that sidelined her from major tournaments. It was during that low period, Raducanu says, that doubts began to creep in.
“I started to ask myself, ‘Is this really worth it?’ I felt lost. I wasn’t having fun anymore, and tennis became a source of anxiety instead of joy.”
The turning point came during an extended break in 2024, when she focused on recovery and rediscovered her love for the game on her own terms.
“I took a step back and just played for myself—no cameras, no expectations. Just me and the court,” she said. “That’s when I remembered why I fell in love with tennis in the first place.”
Now 22, Raducanu is staging a remarkable comeback in 2025, with deep runs in several WTA events and a refreshed mindset. Her openness about the mental health challenges she faced has earned praise from fans, fellow athletes, and mental health advocates alike.
“I want young players to know that it’s okay to struggle. It doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human,” she said.
With Wimbledon on the horizon, Raducanu looks more determined than ever—not just to win, but to enjoy the journey along the way.
