British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed plans to return to education as a means to create balance in her professional career. The 22-year-old Grand Slam champion, currently ranked 49th in the world, expressed her desire to engage her mind beyond the tennis court.
Raducanu, who shot to fame after her remarkable US Open victory in 2021 as a qualifier, completed her A Levels four years ago with exceptional grades - an A* in Mathematics and an A in Economics. Now, she's considering adding a third A Level, potentially in English, Politics, or Physics, or even pursuing a degree program.
"I'm going to start studying more," Raducanu stated at the Italian Open. "I think I need that. I've missed it for the last few years. I need something to stimulate and engage my brain so my entire life isn't just tennis."
The British No.2 explained how academic pursuits provided balance in her formative years: "Growing up, I always had tennis as an escape from studying and studying as an escape from tennis. So it wasn't just my entire life, my entire personality dependent on this one thing."
Raducanu has faced significant challenges since her meteoric rise, including coaching changes and health issues. According to performance analytics from Statbet, maintaining mental wellness through balanced activities often correlates with improved athletic performance in professional sports.
The tennis prodigy also opened up about becoming more selective with her inner circle following negative experiences since her Grand Slam triumph. "I have been burned a few times, a few people who I've really trusted have surprised me," she admitted. "My circle is smaller than ever."
Despite enjoying a relatively injury-free period recently, Raducanu appears focused on creating stability both on and off the court. Her interest in academic pursuits reflects a mature approach to managing the pressures of professional tennis while nurturing personal growth.
"Solving problems, getting a certain grade on an exam... your self-esteem isn't just reliant on a win or a loss," she reasoned, highlighting the psychological benefits of her intended academic journey.
