British tennis player Emma Raducanu, aged 22, has shared that she finds it challenging to trust others, having felt “burnt” by experiences since her remarkable US Open victory.
Currently in Rome for the Italian Open, she is set to compete against Australia`s Maya Joint in the first round later today.
In Italy, Raducanu is once again working with Mark Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray, reigniting their collaboration from 2020.
World number 49 Raducanu is also joined in Rome by Jane O’Donoghue, 42, who has frequently been a part of Raducanu`s support team throughout her career.
Ahead of her opening match at the Italian Open, Raducanu reflected on her sense of independence and trust.
The 2021 US Open champion stated, “I am someone who prefers to keep things private, and it requires a significant effort for me to open up.”
“I haven’t genuinely opened up to many people in my life, but I do so with those I truly trust.”
“The reality is, once I allow someone into my life, I let them in completely and care for them deeply. However, I have been let down multiple times.”
“A few individuals I really relied on have disappointed me, but I suppose that`s part of life. I still have wonderful people around me whom I absolutely trust, and I am navigating this.”
“Honestly, a part of me dislikes discussing any problems extensively, as it tends to make them feel bigger.”
“Therefore, I think I am now learning to simply embrace each day as it unfolds and choose discipline over how I feel.”
Before reuniting with Petchey, Raducanu had a brief coaching stint with Vlado Platenik earlier this year.
Their partnership ended before the Miami tournament after only one match together.
Platenik was the seventh coach Raducanu had worked with since her US Open triumph.
In February, she was involved in a stalking incident in Dubai.
After being approached in a restaurant the day prior, a visibly distressed Raducanu sought cover behind the umpire`s chair while the man was removed from the stands.
My Shielded Life
Expanding on her difficulties with trusting others, the British number two remarked, “Over the past few years, it has been extremely difficult for me to trust new people, especially those who didn`t know me before the US Open years.”
“Now, I naturally gravitate towards individuals I’ve known for a long time, and I would say my inner circle is tighter than ever. I was incredibly protected growing up.”
“Until I was 18, it was just my parents; they handled everything for me, and it felt like nothing could touch me.”
“Suddenly, after that, everyone came into my life, and I was disappointed quite frequently, both professionally and personally. Now, I am like a fortress regarding who I allow close.”
Emma Raducanu`s Miami campaign comes to an end after defeat to Jessica Pegula
Raducanu also shared her intention to continue her academic studies.
During her forced break from tennis in 2020 due to Covid, Raducanu achieved excellent results in her A-Levels, earning an A* in Maths and an A in Economics.
She commented, “Whether I will take a third A-level and pursue a degree, I am uncertain. But I feel I need some form of pressure and excitement in that aspect of my life.”
“I believe it would serve as a positive diversion because, as I grew up, tennis was always my escape from studying, and studying was my escape from tennis.”
“This ensured that my entire life and identity were not solely based on just one pursuit.”
