Emma Raducanu comes out fighting after relentless criticism – ‘I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks’

Emma Raducanu has hit back at suggestions that she calls all the shots amid criticism of her schedule in recent months. The 21-year-old was widely scrutinised after crashing out of the US Open in August, having played just one hard-court tournament before. Some have suggested that she calls all the shots. Others have expressed a belief that she doesn’t go against her coaches enough.

In a new interview, however, Raducanu has now hit back and insists every decision is made as a collective call.
She told Women’s Health: “When it comes to tennis and work, I talk to my coach a lot – and my doctor – but I definitely challenge their points, too. “Recently, HSBC did a survey that showed 45 per cent of people said they made a better decision when consulting other people, and I definitely think that rings true.” Injuries have hampered Raducanu ever since her win at the US Open in 2021.

Just last year she had surgery on both of her wrists, as well as her ankle. Raducanu was, at one point, forced to use a mobility scooter. She admits that, over the past three years, she has experienced plenty of ‘volatility’. But she insists she’s matured since a few weeks ago as she battles to regain the form that made her a Grand Slam winner. “There has been a lot of volatility over the past three years,” she continued. “And I think the most I’ve come into myself has been in the last few weeks.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes. “Every moment is fleeting, and how you interact with the present dictates how you feel, the quality of your work, the quality of your relationships, and how much the people around you enjoy being with you. “I’ve taught myself not to label things as black or white. “For example, with this injury, I’m trying to catch myself and stop labelling it as like, ‘Oh, I’m so unlucky, this is so bad.’

“I’ve learnt to accept things and reframe them. I’m not completely unable to exercise, so I’ll still do things like yoga or Pilates – low-impact exercise, so I’m focusing on that. “I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks, to be honest.” As a result of her struggles, Raducanu has even been written off at times – despite her young age. She has fired a strong message to her doubters, however, insisting she’s ready to ‘do some damage’ next year. “Having been through such big changes, wellness to me now is the inner stillness I feel,” she continued.

“For me, that might mean doing hot yoga, reading, learning, studying – anything to cultivate my mind. “I take confidence from doing things that really enrich my mind and body and how peaceful I feel.” “I’m prepared to work hard and do some damage next year.”