20-Year-Old Emma Raducanu Sheds Light on Her ‘Piggy Bank’ Status in the Money Hungry Tennis Industry

Young British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has recently been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. From suffering setbacks on the court, because of her poor form, to getting branded as the next ‘Anna Kournikova’, due to her off-court sponsorship deals, the 2021 US Open champion has been maligned by both fans and pundits in the past two years. However, the Briton has now hit back at her critics. She strongly criticized the WTA tour, describing it as an unfriendly and ruthless environment lacking trust and safety. In an exclusive interview, the rising star candidly expressed her frustration at being perceived as a cash cow by industry “sharks” since her breakthrough victory at the US Open two years ago.

Following her remarkable victory in the major tournament, Raducanu’s success has catapulted her into the limelight, leading to lucrative sponsorship deals with renowned brands. However, behind the glitz and glamour, the young tennis star has had to mature rapidly to navigate the challenges presented by the industry.

Emma Raducanu’s unpleasant journey on the WTA Tour

Raducanu, reflecting on her rapid ascent to stardom, admits to her initial naivety and the necessity to mature rapidly. “What I have realized in the past two years, the tour and everything that comes with it, it’s not a very nice, trusting and safe space,” she lamented in her interview with The Sunday Times, reported by the Daily Mail UK. The 20-year-old athlete bemoaned the presence of opportunistic individuals within the tennis world, whom she refers to as “sharks,” seeing her as nothing more than a source of revenue.

“I think people in the industry, especially with me because I was 19, now 20, they see me as a piggy bank,” she asserted.

Raducanu spoke about the challenges she has faced in navigating the complex landscape of professional tennis. Her experiences have taught her to be cautious and keep her inner circle small. It is evident that the young athlete has encountered setbacks and painful lessons, stating, “I have been burnt a few times.” While her exceptional talent has propelled her to great heights, the journey has not been without its trials.

Raducanu’s struggles with adversity

Raducanu’s journey has been filled with physical injuries, having undergone three operations. The pain escalated following last year’s Wimbledon, where she faced not only physical struggles but also immense mental pressure. “If I lost a match, I would be really down. I was under so much pressure to perform, people had no idea what was going on, and I had to have this facade,” she confessed.

The young athlete admitted that being thrust into the spotlight at such a young age comes with its own set of challenges. Learning and making mistakes in the public eye has been a daunting task. Raducanu stressed the importance of understanding her youthfulness and the process of personal growth: “I am very young and still learning and making mistakes. It is a lot harder when you are making mistakes in front of everyone… the tour is completely brutal.”

ALSO READ: ‘To Take in the Moment As Much as Possible’ – Emma Raducanu on Inspiring Next Gen

Despite the difficulties, Raducanu remains resilient and determined to forge her path in the tennis world. Her candid interview sheds light on the darker side of success, reminding us that behind the triumphs lie personal struggles, vulnerability, and the relentless pressure to perform.

WATCH THIS STORY:  A Look Back at Emma Raducanu’s Spotlight Moments in 2021 After US Open Glory