God. Remember when Emma Raducanu was just that teenager who stormed through Wimbledon with ink barely dry on her A Level papers? Feels like another lifetime now.
The 22-year-old Brit (who absolutely rocked my world when she won the US Open as a QUALIFIER) is planning something that made me do a double-take when I read it. She's going back to studying. Yep, in between crushing forehands and dealing with the chaos of pro tennis life, Raducanu wants to hit the library again.
When Tennis Becomes Your Entire Universe
I've always wondered how these young athletes cope when their entire identity gets wrapped up in one thing. One match result. One tournament. One injury. Must be suffocating.
Raducanu clearly feels it too. "I need something to stimulate and engage my brain so my entire life isn't just tennis," she told reporters at the Italian Open. The woman already has an A* in Maths and an A in Economics from 2021 (which, by the way, she casually knocked out just WEEKS before becoming a Wimbledon sensation). Now she's eyeing up English, Politics or Physics as potential third subjects.
Smart move, Emma.
The Fort Knox Approach to Friendship
Let's talk about something that actually broke my heart a little. This young woman, who should be enjoying her early twenties, has basically gone into emotional lockdown after getting "burned" by people she trusted.
"I have been burned a few times, a few people who I've really trusted have surprised me," she admitted. "Now I'm very Fort Knox with who I let in."
Can you blame her? Since winning that US Open in 2021, she's been catapulted into a world of multi-million pound sponsorships, fancy galas, and the darker side – two stalking cases including some creep who followed her across FOUR different countries. Seriously, what is wrong with people?
Remember When Life Was Simple?
"Up until I won the US Open, I was so sheltered. Up to 18, I was just with my parents. It was like nothing could touch me," she said.
And then fame happened.
The Escape Hatch Theory
What really stuck with me was Raducanu's explanation about needing balance. "Growing up, I always had tennis as an escape from studying and studying as an escape from tennis. So it wasn't just my entire life, my entire personality dependent on this one thing."
I spoke with a sports psychologist last year who told me this exact same thing – elite athletes who have nothing else in their lives often crumble under pressure because they have nowhere to mentally escape to. Their entire self-worth becomes tied to performance.
Raducanu gets it. "Solving problems, getting a certain grade on an exam... your self-esteem isn't just reliant on a win or a loss."
The girl who loved "those moments on my own, quiet reading in teh library, figuring things out" hasn't disappeared under the weight of fame. She's still in there.
What's Next for Britain's Tennis Darling?
Currently sitting at world No49 (a far cry from her peak after that US Open run), Raducanu is finally enjoying an injury-free spell. But it hasn't been smooth sailing.
Back spasms wrecked her pre-season. Her coach Nick Cavaday had to step away for health reasons. And let's not forget the carousel of coaches before him.
I watched her match last week. There were glimpses of that fearless teenager who conquered New York, but also moments of hesitation. The road back is never straight.
The Independence Streak
"I am very independent and that definitely comes from my mum," she explained. "She's always taught me to rely on people as little as possible."
But even Emma "I can win a Grand Slam as a qualifier" Raducanu is learning that sometimes you need help. "Sometimes you do need to lean on people. I have become less afraid to do that."
Listen. At 22, I was still figuring out how to properly do laundry. This woman is rebuilding her tennis career while planning further education and processing fame that came at her like a freight train.
Whatever she decides to study next, I'm betting it'll bring back some of that balance she's clearly missing. And maybe, just maybe, help her rediscover the joy that made her such a revelation in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the grass courts at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon grass courts hold a unique place in tennis as they are the only Grand Slams still played on the traditional surface. Grass is a low-bouncing surface that allows for a quick game. It tests players in incredibly unique ways. Wimbledon, formally known as The Championships, Wimbledon, began in 1877 and has maintained a reputation for its history, tradition, and strict dress code. Wimbledon's lawns are often considered the pinnacle for tennis players.
What role did tennis icons play in popularizing tennis?
Tennis icons are credited with popularizing the game around the globe. Throughout history, charismatic players such as Billie Jean King and Pete Sampras have captured the imagination of the public. The achievements of these players on the tennis court and their personalities away from the court not only inspired fans but also younger generations to pick up the sport. Their legacies go beyond their titles. They shape the culture of tennis and its marketplace.
What role has women played in shaping tennis?
Women have had a significant impact on tennis, both in terms of their performance on court and through advocacy for recognition and equality off-court. Billie Jean King's tireless efforts to promote equal prize-money and professional opportunities for female tennis players led to the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA's) formation in 1973. Steffi Graef, Venus & Serena Williams & Martina Navratilova have all contributed to the rise of tennis through their talent ad competitive spirit. Women's Wimbledon is a popular sport, and often attracts the same amount of viewers as men's, showing its inclusivity.
What are some of the most important components to tennis etiquette.
Tennis etiquette plays a major role in the game and reflects respect, sportsmanship, and good manners. The players are expected to be honest in their decisions, refrain from distractions when serving, stay silent during rallies and give a warm handshake after the match. Audiences are also expected to follow this etiquette and remain silent during matches, while applauding the good shots of both competitors. Tennis' integrity and gentlemanly traditions are maintained by adhering to these unwritten rules.
Who was credited with standardizing today's game of tennis?
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield can be credited with a large part of the standardization of modern tennis. In 1873 Wingfield invented a new version of tennis, called Sphairistike. The game was played on a grass hourglass court. Wingfield’s version featured a simplified game scoring system, and similar equipment as is still used today. The rules for lawn tennis were based on this iteration. By 1877, Wimbledon Championships had been held and the rules and structure of the game was firmly established.
Statistics
- The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
- The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
- Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with pioneering the rules of modern tennis in 1873, and his version of the game was patented under the name "Sphairistikè."
- Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.
- As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
External Links
How To
How to Create a Tennis Strategy
Due to the low bounce and fast speed of the grass court, a different strategy is required. Serve-and volley techniques are important to get quick points. To keep your opponent on their toes, develop a powerful serve that focuses on accuracy and variety. Construct aggressive points and move towards the net when possible to apply pressure. Improve your footwork for better traction on the slippery surface. By tailoring your game to grass courts, you can maximize your chances of success.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/tennis/the-paranoia-of-peeing-in-a-cup-raducanus-drug-test-anxiety-has-her-eyeing-restaurant-staff
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