British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed she struggles with trust, feeling `burnt` since her unexpected triumph at the US Open.
The 22-year-old is currently in Rome, preparing to face Australia`s Maya Joint in the opening round of the Italian Open today.
Raducanu is working with Mark Petchey again in Italy, having previously collaborated in 2020. She is also accompanied by Jane O’Donoghue, a long-time figure in her career.
Speaking before her first-round match in Rome, Raducanu shared her thoughts on independence and trust.
The 2021 US Open champion stated, “I`m a private person; it takes a lot for me to truly open up. I only genuinely trust a few people. When I do let someone in, I invest fully, and I`ve been hurt multiple times.”
She added, “Some people I deeply trusted have surprised me. But that`s life. I still have wonderful, trustworthy people around me, and I`m working on navigating this.”
Raducanu also mentioned, “Part of me prefers not to dwell on problems, as it seems to amplify them. So, I`m learning to accept each day and prioritize discipline over my feelings.”
Before reconnecting with Petchey, Raducanu briefly worked with Vlado Platenik earlier this year, but their partnership ended after just one match in Miami.
Platenik was the seventh coach Raducanu had worked with since her US Open victory.
In February, she faced a distressing incident with a stalker in Dubai.
Having been approached the day before, a visibly upset Raducanu sought refuge behind the umpire`s chair while the individual was being removed from the stands.
`I Was So Sheltered`
Elaborating on her difficulties with trust, the British number two explained, “It`s been very hard to trust new people since the US Open, especially those who didn`t know me before. I find myself relying more on people I`ve known for a long time. My close circle is smaller than ever.”
She continued, “Before turning 18, I was very protected, mainly by my parents; nothing seemed to affect me. Suddenly, afterwards, everyone was around, and I got hurt quite often, both professionally and personally. Now, I`m like Fort Knox regarding who I allow into my life.”
Raducanu also expressed her desire to continue her education.
During a break from tennis in 2020 due to Covid, Raducanu achieved high grades (A* in Maths, A in Economics) in her A-Levels.
She commented, “I`m unsure if I`ll pursue my third A-level and a degree, but I feel I need some intellectual challenge and pressure in my life.”
She sees studying as a balance: “It would be a good escape. Growing up, tennis was an escape from studying, and studying was an escape from tennis. This prevents my entire life and identity from being solely focused on tennis.”
