Emma Raducanu reveals new tennis strategy: focus on personal growth

Britain’s young tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed that she has changed her approach to the sport after a turbulent few years. The 21-year-old was once regarded as the next big thing. She won the US Open 2021 title at the age of just 18, that too after starting the competition in the qualifying round. Raducanu defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3.

Since lifting that elusive title three years back, not much has gone right for the former world number 10. In six appearances in the Grand Slams since that famous win in New York, Raducanu has never managed to secure a place in the third round or beyond. Interestingly, she also missed four major titles in the process.

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Raducanu returned to the court earlier this year after staying on the sidelines for nearly 12 months because of fitness concerns. Since her return, she has been unable to live up to the hype. The recent results somewhat improved as the Toronto-born star recently played in the semifinal of the Nottingham Open. She is currently participating in Eastbourne International, where she secured an impressive result in the first round. She defeated America’s Sloane Stephens in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-0.

Raducanu, while talking to the media after the match, highlighted how she has changed her approach towards the game this year. The 21-year-old stated that she has decided to follow her own path and not chase others, something which is paying dividends.

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“I’m going to do things on my own time,” she said. “I’m in no rush to do anything and everything I am doing and playing for now is for myself. Whether that’s tournament scheduling, whether that’s how much time I take off to train compared to compete, I think I’m just way more focused on my own lane and less susceptible to outside opinions or views. I’m just enjoying it, just doing everything for myself and really just being independent out here.”