Emma Raducanu has risked a backlash on social media by continuing to promote sponsored content – despite her recent struggles at the US Open.
The 21-year-old is undeniably a great talent, having secured glory in the same competition just three years ago.
Yet Raducanu’s stock has fallen ever since that triumph and, at the end of last month, she was sent crashing out of the US Open in the first round.
Many fans and pundits have questioned whether Raducanu is placing too much focus on commitments outside of the sport as she struggles to climb up the rankings.
Emma Raducanu has been widely scrutinised ever since her US Open exit last month
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After all, since her win at Flushing Meadows three years ago, she’s yet to win a single title – despite raking in millions from numerous brands.
Raducanu, on her Instagram story, has shown off some snaps from her partnership with The New York Edition.
But that will only give fuel to those who believe that she’s not focused enough on her tennis career.
Raducanu knows she must do better. She is now ranked No 3 when it comes to female British players, with Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter ahead of her at the current moment in time.
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Another big talking point following her US Open was how the 21-year-old manages her schedule.
She split opinion by opting against playing at the Paris Olympics, despite many feeling she needed the minutes on the court.
And Raducanu also decided to play in just one hard-court competition prior to the US Open, which only added to her rustiness.
Speaking at the tournament in New York, the Briton admitted she didn’t see herself playing 30 events a year – insisting it’s not her ‘style’.
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“I don’t think I will ever be the player who is playing close to 30 events a year,” she said.
“It is not my style – it never has been. When I was playing juniors even, I would just play a few tournaments, play the slams and go to school.
“I have kind of always done it that way. Even when I won the US Open, I only played a few tournaments that year. Yes, they were closer together.
“I am not in any big rush to play loads. I would rather target tournaments and be ready to play the tournaments that I am entered in.”
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Emma Raducanu has risked a backlash on social media by continuing to promote sponsored content – despite her recent struggles at the US Open.
And Raducanu said it had been a ‘collective’ call for her to play in just one hard-court tournament.
“I would have preferred to probably play a little bit more before coming into the US Open,” she said.
“I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything’s automatic.
“I can learn from it. And, you know, manage my schedule slightly differently.
Emma Raducanu was dumped out of the US Open by Sofia Kenin at the end of last month
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Now that all is said and done, she admitted it was a ‘collective call’ from her team, but suggested she will do things differently next year.
“I would have preferred to probably play a little bit more before coming into the US Open,” she said.
“I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything’s automatic.
“I can learn from it. And, you know, manage my schedule slightly differently. It wasn’t just me. It was more of like a collective call and that’s what happened, and I can’t really change it.”
Source Agencies
