At 22, Emma Raducanu is already a Grand Slam champion, a public figure, and a woman searching for meaning far beyond the tennis court.
Sitting down during the buzz of the Italian Open, she shared that while tennis is still at the heart of her world, she’s also craving something that once brought her peace: studying.
From the Court to the Classroom
It’s not often you hear a world-class athlete talk about missing textbooks, but Raducanu admits she’s longing for a return to academia.
“I’m going to start studying more,” she says candidly. “I need that. I’ve missed it these last few years.
I need something to stimulate and engage my brain so that my whole life isn’t just tennis.”
She’s not sure yet if this will be a full-on degree or just taking an extra A-level, but the intention is clear—she’s looking to bring balance back into her life.
Growing up, tennis and school existed in harmony: when one became overwhelming, the other was a form of escape.
A Quiet Place to Think
There’s a certain joy Raducanu finds in being alone with her thoughts, buried in books or quietly working through a problem in the library.
That world feels like a welcome contrast to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of elite sport.
“Your self-esteem isn’t just tied to a win or a loss when you’re also achieving things elsewhere,” she explains, gesturing to the bustling terrace around her. “It’s nice to have that little retreat.”
As for which subject she might study next? She’s thinking English, politics, or physics—to go with her previous A-levels in maths and economics.
When Tennis Starts to Feel Like an Obligation
The conversation turns to a recent comment by Carlos Alcaraz in his new documentary, where he confessed his biggest fear is for tennis to start feeling like an obligation. Has Emma ever felt that way?
“Yeah, I would say there have been times,” she admits. The years since her historic US Open win in 2021 have been a steep learning curve.
“I don’t have all the answers now, but I feel like I’m starting fresh. I want to do things differently.”
She’s working on both her game and her life off the court—trying to create something more sustainable, more grounded.
A Year of Change and Challenges
2025 hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride for Raducanu. A back spasm disrupted her pre-season, and long-time coach Nick Cavaday stepped away due to health issues.
She also faced the terrifying reality of being stalked across multiple countries.
Then there was the short-lived coaching trial with Vlado Platenik, which fizzled out after just two weeks.
But that departure unexpectedly opened the door for a familiar face.
A Chance Reunion with a Trusted Coach
In Miami, Raducanu ran into former Andy Murray coach Mark Petchey—by total coincidence.
He was there for commentary duties, and after a hallway chat, things just clicked.
“It happened completely by chance,” she recalls. “It was fate, honestly.
I knew things weren’t right with Vlado, and Mark was someone I trusted.
I didn’t want to ask, and he didn’t want to push—it was just a really natural connection.”
That “temporary” setup is now more permanent, even if informal.
It’s part of her ongoing effort to build a trusted, familiar circle around her.
Surrounding Herself with People Who Knew Her Before the Fame
Also in Rome for support is Jane O’Donoghue, Raducanu’s childhood coach who now works in finance.
Jane has taken a break from her City job to be there for Emma during the clay and grass court swings—a sign of how deeply Emma values those early bonds.
“I’m very independent, and that definitely comes from my mum,” she says.
“She’s the strongest person I know. But even she’s taught me—sometimes, you do need people.”
Learning to Trust Again
Raducanu is cautious when it comes to letting people in. “It takes a lot for me to open up,” she shares. “I haven’t truly opened up to many people in my life.”
She explains that while she gives her all to those she trusts, she’s been hurt before.
“I’ve been burned a few times—professionally and personally. So now, my circle is smaller than ever.”
Life Before and After the US Open
Before she won the US Open, life was relatively simple. “I was so sheltered, always with my parents.
It was like nothing could touch me,” she reflects.
Then fame came in a tidal wave—and with it, people, pressure, and unexpected betrayals.
These days, she’s careful. “I’m very Fort Knox with who I let in.”
Starting Fresh in Rome
As she gets ready to kick off her Italian Open campaign against a qualifier, Raducanu is clearly still in the middle of a journey—both on the court and within herself.
She’s a young woman figuring things out under a global spotlight, balancing the love of the game with a hunger for something more, and learning to trust again—one careful step at a time.
