Tennis player Emma Raducanu discussed feeling let down by people she trusted in the past, leading her to keep a tighter inner circle as she competes at the Italian Open. Raducanu spoke about the difficulty of navigating relationships since her sudden rise following the US Open win in 2021.
"I've been burnt a few times," Raducanu said, explaining that while she finds it hard to open up, she fully trusts those she lets in. "A few people who I’ve really trusted have surprised me, but I guess that’s life."
She described becoming more guarded, saying she is "very Fort Knox with who I let in" now, compared to being "so sheltered" by her parents before age 18. The scrutiny and attention after her Grand Slam win brought challenges, both professionally and personally.
Her current coaching setup reflects this preference for familiar faces. She is working with Mark Petchey, who coached her in 2020, and Jane O’Donoghue, a friend she sees as a big sister. However, this arrangement is temporary as O'Donoghue is on a sabbatical from her finance career and Petchey has broadcast commitments.
Emma Raducanu noted the setup is "working pretty well," but acknowledges the need to "figure another solution out" for a more permanent structure, possibly finding someone to support Petchey. Former British player Dan Evans expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the current part-time model.
Beyond tennis, Raducanu plans to recommit to her studies, potentially taking a third A-level and pursuing a degree. She finished her previous A-levels with high marks in maths and economics. She views education as a necessary escape and a source of different pressure and stimulation away from the demands of the tour.
Her clay-court season has presented challenges. After losing in the second round in Madrid, she aims to use the Italian Open to adjust her game on the surface, focusing on being more aggressive and dictating points, accepting that this may lead to more errors initially.
Raducanu also voiced concerns about the risk of doping contamination, citing recent cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. She feels cautious about taking any supplements or even eating out, worried about inadvertently ingesting prohibited substances.
Preparing for her first match in Rome, Raducanu faces Australian qualifier Maya Joint. She emphasizes trusting her own intuition more, having previously tried to justify her feelings based on external opinions.
