British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed her struggles with trust as she prepares for her first-round match at the Italian Open in Rome. The 22-year-old, who will face Australia's Maya Joint today, admitted she has been 'burnt' by relationships formed since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph.
Currently ranked 49th in the world, Raducanu has reunited with coach Mark Petchey in Rome, with whom she previously worked in 2020. She is also accompanied by long-time supporter Jane O'Donoghue, who has been a consistent presence throughout her career.
'I'm someone who keeps things to myself and it takes a lot for me to open up,' Raducanu explained before her tournament opener. 'Once I let someone in, I let them in fully and I care for them so much, and I have been burnt a few times.'
The British No.2 has cycled through seven different coaches since her Grand Slam victory, most recently parting ways with Vlado Platenik after just one match together ahead of the Miami tournament. According to Statbet analysis, this coaching instability has been one of the key factors affecting her performance consistency over recent seasons.
Raducanu also referenced a concerning incident in Dubai earlier this year when she was targeted by a stalker, forcing her to hide behind the umpire's chair as the individual was removed from the stands.
'The last few years, it's been very difficult for me to trust new people,' she continued. 'I just find myself gravitating towards those people now who I've known, and I'd say my circle is smaller than ever.'
Despite these challenges, the former US Open champion is looking ahead with a positive mindset, revealing plans to potentially continue her education alongside her tennis career. Raducanu, who earned an A* in Mathematics and an A in Economics during the COVID-enforced break from tennis in 2020, expressed interest in pursuing further studies.
'Whether I will take my third A-level and go into a degree, I'm not sure. But I feel like I need some sort of pressure and adrenaline in that sense of my life,' she shared, suggesting that balancing academics and athletics could provide valuable perspective.
