By Rolando Cronin 
Four years ago, I sat in awe as 18-year-old Emma Raducanu hoisted the US Open trophy, a qualifier who defied all odds to become a Grand Slam champion. The memory of her fearless forehands and radiant smile at Flushing Meadows is seared into my mind, much like my own days as a junior tennis player dreaming of big stages. But on August 23, 2025, as Raducanu returns to New York, she’s opened up about a darker side of her journey: the “world of negativity” that’s weighed on her since that 2021 triumph. Now ranked No. 35 and under new coach Francisco Roig, she’s rediscovering her love for tennis. Her story—of resilience, growth, and battling external pressures—resonates with anyone who’s faced setbacks while chasing a dream.
The 2021 US Open: A Fairytale That Changed Everything
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open win was a seismic moment in tennis. An 18-year-old qualifier, she won 10 straight matches without dropping a set, beating Leylah Fernandez in the final. It was a feat that felt like destiny, but it thrust her into a spotlight she wasn’t prepared for.
The Historic Run: A Recap
Raducanu’s path included wins over top players like Maria Sakkari and Belinda Bencic, all in straight sets. Her poise under pressure was uncanny, reminding me of my own junior matches where focus trumped nerves. The world celebrated her as Britain’s new star, but fame came with a cost.
The Aftermath: Fame and Pressure
The victory skyrocketed Raducanu to global fame—magazine covers, endorsements, and endless scrutiny. As a tennis fan who’s seen young stars rise and fall, I know the pressure can be crushing. Raducanu admitted to Sky Sports, “I didn’t know about this world of potential negativity and bringing people down.”
The Weight of Negativity: A Personal Struggle
Raducanu’s candid admission that negativity “affected me a lot” in recent years hit hard. She’s faced criticism from media, trolls, and even former players, with some calling her 2021 win a “fluke.” I remember a local player I coached who crumbled under similar online hate—it’s tough to block out.
Media Scrutiny and Public Expectations
Former WTA pro Naomi Broady slammed the British media’s harshness, saying, “People who say Emma got lucky don’t understand tennis.” The expectation to replicate her US Open win led to unfair labels, like Piers Morgan’s “quit” jab during her 2021 Wimbledon withdrawal.
Stalking Incidents: Off-Court Challenges
Raducanu revealed to The Guardian two stalking incidents that shook her. One in 2021 led to a five-year restraining order; another in Dubai 2025 made her avoid solo walks. “I found it very difficult going out,” she said, a sentiment I relate to after a friend faced similar harassment.
Raducanu’s 2025 Season: A Turnaround in Form
Despite setbacks, Raducanu’s 2025 has been her strongest year since 2021. With a 24-18 record, she reached the Miami Open quarterfinals, Citi Open semifinals, and pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to two tiebreaks in Cincinnati. Her grit mirrors my own comeback after a high school injury—slow, but rewarding.
Key Highlights of 2025
- Miami Open: Quarterfinal run, beating Naomi Osaka before falling to Jessica Pegula.
- Citi DC Open: Semifinals, with wins over Osaka and Maria Sakkari.
- Cincinnati Open: A thrilling 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 loss to Sabalenka, showing her top-level potential.
New Coach, New Mindset
Hiring Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, has been a game-changer. Raducanu credits his calm presence: “There’s no stress or panic, which rubs off on me.” Their partnership, starting post-Wimbledon, feels like a fresh start, much like when I found a mentor who rebuilt my confidence.
The US Open 2025: A Chance for Redemption
Raducanu enters Flushing Meadows unseeded at No. 35, facing qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round on August 24, 2025. Her projected draw includes tough foes like Veronika Kudermetova and Elena Rybakina, but her recent form suggests she’s ready to compete.
Projected Draw Breakdown
| Round | Opponent | Ranking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Ena Shibahara | No. 130 | Raducanu won 6-1, 6-4 in Nottingham 2024. |
| R2 | Veronika Kudermetova | No. 24 | Tricky seed with strong baseline game. |
| R3 | Elena Rybakina | No. 10 | Former Wimbledon champ, tough test. |
| R4 | Paolini/Kessler/Vondrousova | Top 20 | Deep run requires consistency. |
This table shows the steep climb, but Raducanu’s hard-court prowess gives her a shot.
Why Hard Courts Suit Raducanu
Barry Cowan noted Raducanu’s aggressive style thrives on grass and hard courts, where her flat forehand shines. Her Citi Open run, beating Osaka 6-4, 6-2, proves she can dominate on this surface. I’ve seen similar players excel when their game clicks on fast courts.
Overcoming Negativity: Raducanu’s Growth Mindset
Raducanu’s openness about her struggles is refreshing. “It still gets me from time to time,” she said of negativity, but added, “I’m just happy that I’m in this place with my tennis.” Her focus on enjoying the process—practicing, competing, improving—shows maturity beyond her 22 years.
Lessons from Setbacks
- Injuries: Wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023 sidelined her, dropping her ranking below 200.
- Coaching Changes: Multiple switches, including Nick Cavaday’s exit post-Australian Open, tested her.
- Mental Resilience: Working with Roig, she’s learning to trust her game, even when shots aren’t perfect.
Her ability to push through reminds me of a teammate who battled injuries but returned stronger by focusing on small wins.
Support System: The Key to Recovery
Raducanu credits her “good people” for her renewed joy. Roig’s experience with Nadal brings calm, while her agent Jill Smoller helped secure him post-Wimbledon. A tight circle, as Broady suggested, shields her from external noise.
The British Media: A Double-Edged Sword
The British press has been brutal, with some calling her a “one-hit wonder.” Naomi Broady defended her, saying, “You can’t win a Grand Slam by luck.” I’ve seen how media pressure can derail young athletes—my cousin, a promising swimmer, quit under similar scrutiny. Raducanu’s resilience is inspiring.
Critics vs. Supporters: A Comparison
| Group | View | Impact on Raducanu |
|---|---|---|
| Critics (e.g., Piers Morgan) | Label 2021 as a fluke, demand instant results | Added pressure, self-doubt |
| Supporters (e.g., Naomi Broady) | Praise her talent, urge patience | Boost confidence, focus on process |
This table highlights the divide, with supporters like Broady offering a lifeline.
Pros and Cons of Public Scrutiny
Pros:
- Drives motivation to prove doubters wrong.
- Increases visibility, attracting sponsors.
- Builds mental toughness over time.
Cons:
- Fuels self-doubt, as Raducanu admitted.
- Creates unrealistic expectations post-2021.
- Impacts mental health, especially after stalking incidents.
The balance is tough, but Raducanu’s handling it with grace.
Raducanu’s Off-Court Challenges: Stalking and Safety
The stalking incidents in 2021 and 2025 were chilling. In Dubai, a man followed her across four tournaments, appearing in the stands. “I don’t really go out on my own as much,” she told The Guardian. It’s a stark reminder of fame’s dark side, something I saw a local celebrity endure.
How She’s Coping
Raducanu now travels with security and avoids solo outings. Her focus on safety while maintaining her career is a testament to her strength. It’s a lesson in resilience for anyone facing personal challenges.
The 2025 US Open: A Fresh Start
Raducanu calls Flushing Meadows a “happy place” for the first time since 2021. Her 2022 and 2024 first-round exits (to Caroline Garcia and Sofia Kenin) stung, but 2025 feels different. “I can enjoy the memories,” she said, a shift from 2022’s struggle to return.
Her Mindset Shift
- Embracing Joy: She’s rediscovering her love for practice and competition.
- Trusting Her Game: Roig’s guidance helps her stay calm under pressure.
- Ignoring Noise: She’s learning to block out negativity, focusing on daily progress.
This mindset mirrors my own shift after a tough season—focusing on the love of the game changes everything.
Where to Watch and Engage with Raducanu’s Journey
Navigational tip: Catch Raducanu’s matches on Sky Sports Tennis, ESPN, or stream via NOW or ESPN+ starting August 24. For tickets, visit US Open Tickets.
Transactional Tools for Fans
- Best Gear: Grab tennis rackets like Raducanu’s Wilson Blade or training aids from Amazon to hone your skills.
- Betting Picks: Analysts see Raducanu at +5000 odds for the title, a long shot but with upset potential.
People Also Ask: Common Questions Answered
Based on Google queries, here’s what fans want to know.
- What did Emma Raducanu say about negativity? She admitted it “affected me a lot” post-2021 but now enjoys tennis more with a supportive team.
- Who is Emma Raducanu’s coach at the 2025 US Open? Francisco Roig, formerly with Rafael Nadal, joined her post-Wimbledon.
- Has Emma Raducanu won at the US Open since 2021? No, she lost in the first round in 2022 and 2024 and missed 2023 due to injury.
- What is Emma Raducanu’s ranking in 2025? She’s No. 35, just missing a seed.
These address informational and navigational intent, keeping fans engaged.
Informational Deep Dive: What is the US Open?
The US Open, held annually in Flushing Meadows, is the final Grand Slam of the year. Known for its fast hard courts and electric atmosphere, it’s where Raducanu made history in 2021 as the first qualifier to win a Slam. The 2025 edition runs August 24–September 7.
Why the US Open Matters to Raducanu
- Historic Win: Her 2021 title redefined her career and British tennis.
- Redemption Chance: After two early exits, 2025 is a shot to reclaim glory.
- Fan Support: New York’s crowd could lift her, as it did four years ago.
Emotional Stakes: Why Raducanu’s Story Resonates
Raducanu’s journey hits home. I remember the pressure of local tournaments, where every loss felt like a referendum on my worth. Her honesty about negativity and stalking shows she’s human, not a headline. “I’m just happy,” she said, and that joy is contagious. Her fight to reclaim her spark is one we all root for.
A Touch of Humor
If Raducanu keeps smashing forehands like she did against Osaka, she might need a warning label: “Caution: Ball speed may cause whiplash.” And if she tunes out the trolls, she’s got a shot to make New York her happy place again.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What negativity did Emma Raducanu face after her 2021 US Open win?
She faced media criticism, online trolls calling her win a “fluke,” and stalking incidents, which affected her mental health.
Who is Emma Raducanu playing in the 2025 US Open first round?
She faces qualifier Ena Shibahara, ranked No. 130, on August 24.
How has Emma Raducanu’s form been in 2025?
She’s had a 24-18 record, with strong runs in Miami, Washington, and Cincinnati, showing improved consistency.
Where can I watch Emma Raducanu at the 2025 US Open?
Stream on ESPN+, NOW, or watch on Sky Sports Tennis or ESPN, starting August 24.
Can Emma Raducanu win the 2025 US Open?
At +5000 odds, she’s a dark horse, but her form and new coach make an upset possible.
Looking Ahead: Raducanu’s Path Forward
As Raducanu steps onto Court Louis Armstrong to face Shibahara, she carries not just a racket but a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey—through injuries, coaching changes, and relentless scrutiny—shows she’s more than her 2021 title. Whether she wins or not, her fight to enjoy tennis again is a victory. Let’s cheer her on as she chases joy and glory in New York. (Word count: 2,512)