Here’s Why Emma Raducanu Almost Quit Tennis Before US Open 2021 Glory

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been on cloud nine since the past week. The teenager did the unthinkable by winning her first-ever Grand Slam title at the US Open 2021. No one in their wildest dreams would’ve imagined the youngster going all the way. 

Recently it came to be known that Emma Raducanu’s grandmother was skeptical about her playing tennis. After the teenager withdrew from her match at the Wimbledon Championships, Niculina (grandmother) thought Emma should quit the game for good. 

Reflecting on that moment, Emma’s grandmother stated, “I asked her parents if she should quit tennis,” the 88-year-old told MailOnline. “Because what if something should happen to Emma? Her health is more important [than wealth or fame]. The court she played on that day had a roof over it because it was raining, and she felt she couldn’t breathe.”

Emma Raducanu’s grandmother did not watch the US Open 2021 final 

Niculina could not deal with the pressure of watching the US Open 2021 final and it was only the next that she should out of her granddaughter’s success. She was happy for Emma as she moved into the match with a strong and healthy mind. 

“The night she won the US Open, I couldn’t watch because my heart couldn’t take it. I said to myself: ‘This match is going to be a really tough one,’ so I decided not to watch it. I only found out the news the next day, and I was delighted she was strong and healthy, and that her mind was healthy also — especially after what happened the last time [at Wimbledon].”

At the moment, Raducanu is enjoying her newly gained fame. She is one of the youngest players on the Tour, and we’re surely going to hear her name often in the future.

Watch this story: Top Seeds Naomi Osaka, John Isner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Others Who Faced Huge Upsets at US Open