Emma Raducanu shares her feelings about how winning US Open so early in her career ended up frustrating her

Emma Raducanu opened up about winning the US Open when she was just 19 years old, saying it has led to feelings of frustration for her nowadays. The victory in New York marked the Brit's first-ever Grand Slam title.

Raducanu lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Leylah Fernandez. The win was historic, making her the first-ever qualifier to claim a Major title in the Open Era.

Speaking at the LTA National Tennis Centre recently, Raducanu discussed how winning a Grand Slam had always been her ultimate dream. However, achieving that goal so early in her career left her feeling uncertain about what to strive for next.

“Initially when I first started, before I won the US Open, my main reason was: ‘I want to win a grand slam’. And that happened so young. I’m so grateful for it. But as soon as that happens, I’m like, ‘OK, well what now? I want to win another grand slam’. It’s just not sustainable,’” she said.

The 22-year-old added:

“Because, when you don’t win another Grand Slam straight away, you get frustrated with that. Now, the reason I play is genuine. I really enjoy what I’m doing, how I’m working, the people I’m working with.”

Raducanu also made it clear that her primary focus now is to explore her potential by pushing her physical limits to be fitter and faster.

“And I just want to see how good I can be. I really want to see how fast I can be, how fit I can be, how explosive, how well I can move, what I can do. It’s literally just about playing it like a game, seeing how far I can go.”

Emma Raducanu: "I'm top 60 and played less than 15 events, I have to pat myself on back for that"

Emma Raducanu | Image Source: Getty

Emma Raducanu spent much of 2023 recovering from surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. Although her 2024 season didn’t bring notable success in Grand Slams, she still earned solid results in Nottingham, Stuttgart, Eastbourne, the Citi Open, and the Korea Open.

Reflecting on her journey during an interview with BBC last month, Raducanu shared that she often reminded herself of her early achievements to stay motivated, including remaining in the top 60 despite playing fewer than 15 events.

“Sometimes I need reminding: I’m top 60 and I’ve played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, I have to pat myself on the back for that,” she said.

The Brit mentioned that she takes pride in her competitive nature and is confident about surpassing her own performance in the upcoming season.

“I know I’m a dangerous player [and] I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year.” Raducanu said.

Emma Raducanu is set to start the 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland on December 30 as she looks forward to working her way back toward reclaiming her spot in the top 10 rankings.