'We make a great living': Emma Raducanu’s refreshing take on the tennis grind and finding joy in the ordinary
Amid the glittering world of pro tennis, Emma Raducanu’s calm outlook stands out. Despite her early fame and lucrative sponsorships, the British No. 1 is happiest not under the bright lights of global tournaments, but in the quiet streets of Bromley — the London suburb she still calls home. In fact, she jokes that if she ever took on another ambassadorial role, it would be for her hometown.
During a relaxed chat with reporters at the close of a long, physically demanding season, Raducanu begins describing what she thought was just an uneventful off-season — only to turn it into a heartfelt endorsement for life in Bromley. “I’ve barely been in the UK this year,” she admits, “but spending quality time with my parents has been amazing. I love being here, back in the same room where I grew up. Everything feels grounding, familiar.”
That sense of rootedness shows through her small joys too — trying out new coffee spots that have popped up in Bromley, enjoying the green spaces, even joining the daily rush hour on her train rides to Waterloo. “It’s like a mental switch,” she says warmly. “Once I’m on that train, my day is done. I can finally breathe.”
Her words reveal someone anchored in contentment after a season that, while not headline-dominating, restored much-needed balance to her game. Now 23, Raducanu climbed from outside the world’s top 60 to a respectable No. 29 ranking in 2025 — her best since 2022. She played more consistently than in previous years and, perhaps just as importantly, began building a stronger team foundation after years of change.
She’s now working with Spanish coach Francisco Roig, known for his long tenure alongside Rafael Nadal — a partnership that has brought both technical refinement and emotional steadiness to her camp. To support her physical growth, she’s added Emma Stewart, a dual-role physiotherapist and conditioning expert who comes with Olympic-level experience from British Rowing.
But here’s where Raducanu surprises people: after ending her season early due to illness in Asia, she didn’t just rest. She pivoted into learning mode — diving into languages. Between visits with her relatives in China, she practiced 中文 (Zhōngwén), continued improving her Spanish with Roig’s encouragement, and even began brushing up on French. “I’ve been trying to do everything,” she laughs, admitting that her so-called ‘rest days’ quickly turned into study marathons. “I actually need rest days from my rest days!”
One of her team members reveals she now sends him texts in French — even though he doesn’t speak it. Raducanu laughs and admits her language mashups are getting wild: “Sometimes I’ll say a single sentence using three different languages without realizing it! But it’s such great mental exercise. It keeps my brain alive and gives me something productive to focus on away from tennis.”
This playful yet driven mindset marks a big shift from earlier, tougher chapters in her young career. Her 2025 season wasn’t without challenges — the aftermath of a stalking incident earlier in her life resurfaced in the media, a traumatic episode she has since learned to face with humor and grace. “My neck doesn’t hurt as much anymore,” she jokes, referencing her earlier habits of looking down in public to avoid attention. “Honestly, I don’t mind being seen now. What’s the worst that could happen — someone spots me on the tube?”
Still, she admits paparazzi moments can be unnerving. Just last week, she was out with two close friends when tabloids ran a picture hinting at a ‘mystery boyfriend’ — a claim she dismisses with a mix of laughter and exasperation. “It was literally my best friend’s brother! They even cropped her out of the shot. That’s creepy — I didn’t even see the photographers. But I’ve learned to shrug it off. I know someone’s always got my back.”
Beyond her personal story, 2025 stirred some heated debates within tennis itself — particularly about the relentless tournament schedule. Top players like Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz voiced frustration over burnout, but Raducanu isn’t joining the chorus of complaints. “We make a great living,” she declares frankly. “Yes, it’s tough. We get tired, our bodies ache, our minds fade at times — but it’s part of the job. People in other fields have demanding jobs too. It’s not easy for anyone.”
Her pragmatic approach challenges the growing sentiment among some players that the sport’s calendar needs drastic change. Instead, she believes their attitude sets an example. “If all the top players are publicly moaning about how hard it is, how does that inspire the next generation?” she asks pointedly. “We should show that we can push through — responsibly, but without constant complaining.”
And this is where Raducanu’s perspective may stir debate. Should players prioritize self-care by demanding shorter seasons, or does resilience and acceptance define the true spirit of elite sport? It’s a tension that touches on broader questions about privilege, professionalism, and balance.
Looking ahead, Raducanu will partner with fellow Brit Jack Draper at the mixed United Cup in Australia, kicking off her 2026 campaign. Before that, she’ll undergo a rigorous pre-season program in Barcelona with Roig aimed at sharpening her shot-making and narrowing the gap between her and the very best.
Reflecting on the year, she strikes a thoughtful note: “I went through some really difficult times early on, but it taught me how strong I actually am — and what I need to stay that way. Whether it’s studying, learning, or just feeding my brain, that process keeps me grounded. I’m still figuring out who I want to be off the court, and that’s been the most fulfilling part.”
So here’s the question: Do you agree with Raducanu’s no-complaints philosophy about the tennis grind, or should top players push harder for reduced schedules to protect their well-being? Drop your thoughts — this is one debate that’s not going away anytime soon.
