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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

It can be challenging for young players like Emma Raducanu to handle the pressure and expectations that come with sudden success. The WTA Tour can be a demanding and competitive environment, and it takes time and experience to develop both physically and mentally as a player. The Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig recently tried giving Raducanu some advice on how to handle her form- both on and off the court.

Monica Puig is candid and straightforward in her approach as she talks to ‘Eurosport’ about Raducanu’s tennis future. She does not hide the brutal truths about how players make a living. However, she focuses on one primary aspect of the game and brings in the topic of social media. For a player like Raducanu, who is extremely popular amongst her followers on social networking sites, Puig believes it can be more of a distraction.

Emma Raducanu needs to balance her virtual and real lives- together

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However, Puig agrees that advising the 20-year-old tennis icon to completely let go of her social media presence would be impractical. She understands that brands now look to collaborate and connect with famous personalities through the Internet. A player’s social media image and reliability is also a great aspect to take into account while signing these endorsements.

Puig talks about the nature of endorsements to Eurosport as she says, “Those endorsement deals come with obligations. If you don’t meet those obligations the brand is not getting what they need out of you.”

USA Today via Reuters

She talks about how the brands create performance pressure before the player steps on the court.

“The brand does need you to perform on court so you’re exposed, you’re out there, you’re promoting their things.”

Puig is brutally honest about how players can really make more money with endorsements and brand collaborations than by winning titles. However, as she confesses,

“It’s important to focus and dedicate all your time to your craft because that’s what got you there. At the end of the day, wins equal dollar signs and new contracts.” In the end, Puig’s final advice to Raducanu is to fall into a schedule. And to remember what brought her into the game- “the love of the sport.”

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Puig’s verdict on Raducanu’s future as it stands…

According to Puid, with time and hard work, Raducanu has the potential to reach great heights in the sport. She has already shown her talent and determination with her US Open triumph, and with the right support and guidance, she can continue to grow and improve as a player.

Read more: 19-Year-Old British Star Emma Raducanu Chooses a Korean Destination Over Wimbledon as Her ‘Favorite’ Place to Play Tennis

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With Raducanu’s recent refreshing return on tour, it may take time to find her footing again. However, her potential and talent are undeniable. With the right approach and mindset, she can overcome her setbacks and once again reach great heights in the sport of tennis.

Watch this story – 18-Year-Old Coco Gauff Narrates Boxing Bout With Brother as She Gets Ready to Take on Emma Raducanu at 2023 Australian Open – ‘I Enjoyed..’