Back off boys… and pick on someone your own size! Tennis fan RACHEL JOHNSON argues the only thing Emma Raducanu has to fear is fear itself

Back off boys… and pick on someone your own size! Tennis fan RACHEL JOHNSON argues the only thing Emma Raducanu has to fear is fear itself
Emma Raducanu’s swift exit from Wimbledon in 2021 was a shock to many, but it’s important to view her situation with empathy rather than judgment. As a young talent thrust into the global spotlight, Raducanu was faced with immense pressure. In just a matter of weeks, she went from a relatively unknown teenager to the sport’s next big thing, with media outlets and marketing agencies placing her at the forefront.

The mental and emotional strain on an 18-year-old competing at her first Grand Slam, after hours of waiting to perform under unsettled conditions, is no small burden. Annabel Croft, a former British number one, perfectly captured the difficulty Raducanu faced, emphasizing how overwhelming it can be for young players when everything they have worked for seems to hinge on a single match.

It’s worth remembering that tennis is as much a psychological game as it is physical. The pressure to perform, especially on a global stage, can lead to spirals of self-doubt and fear, something that even seasoned players struggle with. While critics like Piers Morgan and John McEnroe may have speculated on Raducanu’s mental toughness, her decision to prioritize her health over completing the match shows maturity beyond her years. In the end, the only thing she has to fear is fear itself. With time, experience, and the right support, Raducanu has the potential to treat both her triumphs and challenges as the fleeting moments they are, continuing to rise in the world of tennis.