Emma Raducanu has revealed that she finds it “very difficult to really open up” to other players on the WTA Tour due to the competitive nature of professional tennis. Her candid remarks came during a press conference at the 2025 Washington Open, where she elaborated on the emotional barriers that exist among competitors.
The Challenge of Friendships on Tour
The British tennis sensation, who rose to prominence with her 2021 US Open victory, admitted that forming deep friendships on the tour is not easy. Raducanu explained that while she does have “a few friends” on the circuit, these relationships add “another dimension” when they face each other in matches, making competition harder. This sentiment highlights a common challenge for elite athletes who must balance personal connections with the cutthroat world of professional sports.
Prioritizing Competition Over Camaraderie
Raducanu’s perspective underscores a deliberate approach to maintaining distance from rivals to preserve her competitive edge. She believes that close relationships with fellow players can complicate her ability to perform effectively against them. “For me, I just find it harder to compete against a person I’m friends with,” she stated.
Support System Away From the Court
Despite the challenges of forming close bonds on tour, Raducanu emphasized that her emotional support system remains strong thanks to friends back home. “I have really good friends at home that I can trust and speak to,” she confirmed. This grounded approach off the court may contribute to her recent resurgence in form.
Comparisons and On-Court Dynamics
Raducanu’s comments came as she prepared to face Naomi Osaka at the Washington Open, a match that has drawn comparisons between their careers. Both Grand Slam champions have experienced periods of struggle and took time off the tour in 2023. However, Raducanu noted differences in their respective breakthroughs, stating that Osaka was an “established pro tour player” when she won her first major, while Raducanu’s US Open win was “completely out of nowhere.” Despite these parallels, Raducanu confirmed she had never had a conversation with Osaka prior to their Washington encounter, preferring to maintain distance from competitors.
The British star has also recently been in the spotlight for her on-court partnerships, including a doubles pairing with Elena Rybakina in Washington and an upcoming mixed doubles appearance with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open. While speculation has swirled around her relationship with Alcaraz, Raducanu has maintained they are “just friends.”
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