Emma Raducanu has been under tremendous pressure ever since shockingly winning the US Open one year ago.
With her unexpected performance at the US Open, the British player captured the hearts of millions and became an instant superstar. As a tennis hero for many ambitious young players throughout the world, she became a daily topic in tennis circles.
It generated a great deal of talk and attention—much more than Raducanu was used to—as well as enormous expectations, which she fell short of this year. Her every move was scrutinized in negative headlines that called into question her dedication to tennis.
"First of all, you can’t pay attention to what anyone says about you. And don’t take anything personally," said Billie Jean King in Glasgow ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup.
But then you’ve got to find the right person to talk to. And that’s the hard part because everyone has an opinion. It’s important for her to find out what she wants in life. She needs to search her own soul."
King hopes to see everyone back off and gives her some room so she can gather her thoughts and rediscover her place on the WTA Tour.
"Our job is to give her time and space. Let Emma decide what is best for her, not have everyone else deciding for her. Glean the information that pertains to her. I hope everybody just backs up. It’s like she has no breathing room. Give her some time to breathe, some space. She’s really young. Give her time.”