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Emma Raducanu was once hailed as one of the brightest stars in the world of tennis. Her victory at the 2019 US Open, achieved at the tender age of nineteen, propelled her to global stardom as a prodigy with the potential to dominate the women's circuit for years to come. However, the reality has been far from the fairytale many envisioned.

From Prodigy to Pressure: The Burden of Expectations

Raducanu's journey post-2019 has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite her undeniable talent, she has struggled to recapture the form that saw her triumph in New York. Injuries and the high expectations placed upon her have taken a toll not only on her performance but also on her mental well-being.

The Impact of Parental Pressure

In a recent interview, Raducanu opened up about the immense pressure exerted by her parents throughout her career.

"When I was just a child, my father forced me to play tennis. I didn't like it, but as I grew older, it became a priority in my life, and I started to pressure myself,"

she revealed. This pressure has significantly influenced her relationship with the sport, often making it difficult for her to find joy on the court.

Finding Her Own Path

Over time, Raducanu has begun to carve out her own space in the sport.

"We are in a different place in our relationship now. They tell me what they think is best for me, but they have realized that the more they pressure me, the more I distance myself from them,"

she confessed. This newfound understanding has allowed her to approach tennis with a renewed perspective, focusing on her own goals and well-being.

Looking Ahead: Can Raducanu Reclaim Her Glory?

As Raducanu continues to navigate the challenges of professional tennis, the question remains whether she can return to the heights of her 2019 success. With a better balance between personal happiness and professional ambition, there's hope that she can rediscover her passion for the game and once again become a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova