The Paranoia of Peeing in a Cup – Raducanu's Drug Test Anxiety Has Her Eyeing Restaurant Staff

By Lewis Barnett 6 May, 2025 6 mins read 39 Views

God. The tennis world is a mess right now. I was chatting with my friend Jake (who's obsessed with tennis stats) last night about how utterly terrifying it must be to be a pro athlete in 2025. Imagine living in constant fear that some random thing you touch or eat might end your entire career.

That's exactly what Emma Raducanu is dealing with.

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When Waiters Become the Enemy

Raducanu, who's finally clawed her way back to world #49 after all those injuries, admitted something that honestly gave me chills. She's literally afraid to eat at restaurants because she thinks waiters might recognize her and spike her food or drinks. Not making this up!

"We could go to a restaurant (and someone could put something in our drink). It's really hard, especially if you are noticeable and the waiter recognises you," she confessed. "It's something I do worry about – it's nervous every time."

I mean... what kind of dystopian sports nightmare are we living in? Back in 2018, I interviewed a former Olympic swimmer who told me they wouldn't even use hotel shampoo during competition season. Thought it was extreme then. Not anymore.

The Sinner Saga That's Got Everyone Spooked

This paranoia isn't coming out of nowhere. The Italian Open this week marks Jannik Sinner's return after that bizarre three-month doping suspension. Remember that whole mess? World #1 tests positive TWICE for clostebol (an anabolic steroid) and somehow negotiates his way out of a standard 2-year ban.

His excuse? His physio (who got fired faster than you can say "scapegoat") used steroid cream on his own hands before treating Sinner. Convenient.

And then there's Iga Swiatek's situation. Five-time Grand Slam champ gets a positive for trimetazidine but only serves a one-month ban during off-season. Must be nice to have that kind of timing!

Trust Issues Run Deep

What really struck me about Emma's comments was her absolute refusal to take ANY medication. "I don't want to take anything even if the doctors are saying you should take this – just out of risk of contamination," she said.

Think about that for a second. She'd rather suffer through whatever illness or pain than risk a contaminated medicine ending her career.

"It can show a green tick, but if it's contaminated you will still get screwed over."

Brutal.

What's Next for the Cautious Brit?

While dodging contaminated meds and suspicious waiters, Raducanu's actually got tennis to play. She faces a qualifier on Wednesday in Rome, and if she wins, she'll take on Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova (the 21st seed).

With Wimbledon just 8 weeks away (can't believe it's almost that time again!), she seems pretty happy with her current coaching situation. She's working with Mark Petchey (who also commentates for teh Tennis Channel) and Jane O'Donoghue, who's on sabbatical from her finance job.

But there's a catch. O'Donoghue will eventually return to her day job, leaving Emma in yet another coaching limbo. "While she's not working it's nice to have her as much as possible, but she will go back to work and then I need to figure another solution out," Raducanu explained.

The Aggressive Gamble

One thing I respect about Emma right now? She's willing to make mistakes to level up.

"I want to use this period of the clay season to try and work on certain things in my game that I think are going to help me bridge the gap to the next level," she told the BBC. "I want to take more balls on, I want to be more aggressive in certain points – I want to structure the points more on my terms."

Then came the line that shows real maturity: "I know I may make more errors doing that, but I'm willing to go through that."

Listen. I've watched Raducanu since that fairy-tale US Open run in 2021. She's been through the wringer with injuries, coach changes, adn the most intense media scrutiny I've seen for any young player. The fact that she's still pushing forward while living in this paranoid bubble of potential contamination? That's mental toughness on another level.

I just hope she can actually enjoy a meal out someday without eyeing the waiter like they're about to end her career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of fitness for tennis players to do?

Tennis is one of the most physically demanding sports. It requires a combination between aerobic endurance and anaerobic conditioning, as well a speed, power, strength, etc. Tennis players' fitness training often includes cardiovascular exercises to increase endurance, explosive and plyometric exercises to increase speed and power, strength training, and agility drills to improve footwork and court movement. Core stability exercises and balance training also play an essential role in building the muscular endurance and coordination necessary for managing the physical demands of the sport.

How does mental and psycho-social training affect tennis training?

Tennis players must be mentally and psychologically fit. The players need to learn how they can manage their stress levels, stay focused, and deal with the emotional ups and downs of competition. Techniques such as visualization, goal-setting, and mental rehearsals are common practices. A sports psychologist helps players to build resilience, develop strategies for dealing with pressure and raise their mental game.

When can a player start training to improve their chances of becoming a pro?

Starting early in training is an advantage. While there's no standard age to begin professional tennis, it is a good idea. Many professional players begin training between the ages of 4 and 7. Early development allows for a player to establish a solid foundation with regards to skills, technique and coordination. However, it's crucial to balance training with general childhood development to nurture a passion for the game without causing burnout or injury.

How does a top-level tennis player's daily training look?

The daily training regimen of a top tennis player is both rigorous and meticulously structured. The daily training regimen of a top tennis player is rigorous and meticulously structured. It includes many hours spent on the court, with a focus on technical drills. Additionally, players engage in fitness sessions tailored to enhance strength, agility, and endurance, complemented by flexibility and recovery activities, such as stretching, massage, or physiotherapy. The importance of proper nutrition and psychological coaching is also a key component to ensuring that athletes are able to maintain their peak performance, both mentally and physically.

Can someone start playing tennis late and still become a professional?

It is possible to play tennis professionally at an older age, even though it may be more difficult. Success will depend on athletic ability and dedication as well as access to good coaching and competition. Late starters must engage in intensive, highly-focused training. While the path is likely to be longer, with talent, perseverance and dedication, achieving a professional standard is possible.

Statistics

Statistical trends indicate that top tennis players usually have at least 5 people in their support team, including coaches, fitness trainers, and physiotherapists.
Research indicates that junior tennis players who compete in international tournaments gain significant psychological advantage and experience, with participation leading to a 50% better transition into professional rankings.
Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Strength and conditioning coaches emphasize core strength, noting that an increase in core stability can improve shot accuracy by up to 43%.
On average, it's estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.

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How To

How to plan your nutrition for tennis training

Having a nutrition plan for tennis is essential to your recovery and energy levels. Your diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy; integrate foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Include foods like chicken, fish and legumes to help repair muscles. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, or sunflowers can help you maintain a healthy body and increase your energy. Keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking more water before, during and following practice. Prioritize your post-training recovery by eating a healthy meal or snack no later than 30 minutes after you finish training. This will replenish glycogen and promote muscle regeneration.