Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and one of Britain’s brightest tennis talents, is facing a wave of criticism after a controversial moment during a post-match press conference sparked outrage among fans and commentators.
Following a second-round defeat at the French Open, Raducanu appeared visibly frustrated and gave what many are calling a “dismissive and disrespectful” response to a journalist’s question about her recent form. “Maybe if you played a match in my shoes, you’d understand,” she snapped, before abruptly ending the session.
The clip of the exchange quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While some sympathized with her emotional state, others accused the 22-year-old of lacking professionalism and maturity.
“Emma Raducanu is incredibly talented, but her attitude today was disappointing,” tweeted one sports journalist. “Being a role model means handling the highs *and* the lows with grace.”
The backlash intensified after Raducanu was spotted later that evening attending a high-profile fashion event in Paris, leading critics to question her commitment to the sport. The hashtag #NotARoleModel began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with some fans suggesting that her off-court priorities are taking precedence over her tennis career.
In response, Raducanu released a statement via her management team:
“I’m a competitor, and losses are never easy. That said, I regret the way I handled myself. I’m still learning and growing, both as a player and as a person.”
The incident has reignited a broader debate around the pressures placed on young athletes in the spotlight—and how quickly public perception can shift.
Despite the controversy, Raducanu remains one of the most marketable faces in tennis, with lucrative endorsement deals and a massive global fan base. Whether this latest storm will impact her brand—or serve as a learning moment—remains to be seen.
