Emma Raducanu opens up about dealing with “sharks” who think of her as a “piggy bank” since her lone 2021 US Open win

Emma Raducanu opened up about how the “sharks” out there in the tennis industry who think of her as a piggy bank since her dream run at the 2021 US Open which made her an overnight sensation. The Brit, then 18 and a qualifier, won the title at the Flushing Meadows without dropping a set.

But since then, she couldn’t make it past the second round in her five subsequent Grand Slam appearances. Poor form, mid-match retirement, frequent coaching changes, and injury troubles hampered her growth. And this affected the youngster mentally.

Raducanu’s lone Grand Slam win brought her to the limelight which never went off and all eyes were always on her during her matches, for they expect her to win more. And when she fails, scathing attacks were always unleashed.

“When I won, I was extremely naive,” Raducanu told The Sunday Times.

“When I have realized in the past two years, the tour and everything that comes with it, it’s not a very nice, trusting, and safe space. You have to be on guard because there are a lot of sharks out there.

“I think people in the industry especially with me because I was 19, now 20, see me as a piggy bank. I have been burnt a few times. I have learned, to keep your circles as small as possible.” Also Read: Berlin Open 2024: Women’s Draw, Schedule, Players, Prize money, Live Streaming & More

Emma Raducanu set to miss Wimbledon

Raducanu has been dealing with wrist and ankle injuries for a long time. She recently underwent surgery owing to which she missed this year’s French Open and is set to miss Wimbledon as well.

Looking back at her US Open triumph and her aftermath struggles, Raducanu admitted that at times, she wished she had never won the title. But she remembers the completely surreal feeling.

Raducanu became the youngest Grand Slam singles winner since 2004 and the first British to win US Open since Virginia Wade in 1968. Her recent struggles landed her to 128th rank in the WTA rankings.

“It’s a lot harder when you are making mistakes in front of everyone and everyone has something to say about it. The tour is completely brutal,” said the 20-year-old. Also Read: Rennae Stubbs points out similarities between Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic

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