Emma
Raducanu revealed what she considers her most significant investment as a
professional on the WTA Tour. The 2021 US Open champion has struggled to find
consistency in her career since winning her first Grand Slam and has dealt with
various changes in her support team and injuries.
The former
world No. 10 believes that many people may not realize the substantial
investments tennis players make to remain competitive. Raducanu acknowledged
that her top priority is having a strong support team: “As athletes, our
professional teams are very expensive, so that would be my biggest investment,”
Raducanu told Harper’s Bazaar.
“From
physio, fitness and tennis to food and discipline, all are investments –
whether in terms of money or time – and all are in a bid to make our general
‘health’, plus our physical and mental levels, improve.”
The British
tennis player also emphasized the significance she places on her nutrition and
how she manages it with particular care: “I snack a lot – before and during
training especially,” Raducanu added.
“I need
high-sugar and quickly digested snacks to keep me going. I love fruits, nuts,
yoghurt, chocolate rice cakes, crunchy nut butters, granola, popcorn, and
healthy bars – that kind of thing.
“Planning
my mealtimes is also vital for two reasons; firstly I am a huge foodie and the
type of person that looks forward to my next meal while I’m having the current
one! Secondly, because during long, intense sessions I need to maintain focus
and energy,” Raducanu added.
“Obviously
staying hydrated helps – and is also key for recovery. I aim to drink at least
two litres of fluids a day. Healthy hydration is also really important to my
overall wellbeing, which is why I’m so happy to continue my partnership with
Evian to ensure I’m getting my natural mineral water fix when I’m both on and
off the court.”
Raducanu
revealed that in her routine, it's crucial to take some downtime and have days
off: “My ideal day off would be waking up at 8 am, reading in bed, scrolling
through Reels or TikToks, then showering and catching up with a friend over
some window-shopping or a walk – a day off is the only time I have to do these
things,” She says of taking time off.
“Ideally, I
would have a big, late lunch and be home by 5pm to get ready for the week
ahead, and have something light for dinner.”
“I’d tell
my younger self that it’s OK to say ‘no’ and prioritise what feels best for
myself, especially in the hours ‘off’. Regardless of others’ perceptions, deep
down we know when we are doing something truly for ourselves or rather because
we feel we ought to.”