Emma Raducanu has made her stance crystal clear when it comes to questions about her personal life. The 2021 US Open champion confronted intrusive speculation during a recent press interaction, branding a reporter’s line of questioning as “terrible.”
The heated moment came after British tennis star Cameron Norrie was asked in a post-match press conference if he was dating Raducanu—a question that left both players baffled. Addressing the incident directly, Raducanu said:
“The questions asked to Cam were terrible. That was terrible”
Norrie, who was accompanied by his long-time partner during the match, appeared visibly bemused by the question, while Raducanu firmly dismissed the gossip, choosing to prioritize her tennis over rumors.
“People are more curious about gossip than tennis results”
Emma Raducanu acknowledged that public curiosity about her life has become overwhelming, often overshadowing her performances on court. She reflected on the media’s tendency to pry into her privacy, admitting it’s a challenge she’s had to adapt to.
“I guess it comes with the territory, people being so curious. I think they’re more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news. But I just keep to myself, my private life to one side.”
The 22-year-old added that she avoids reading too much into tabloid reports, instead focusing on maintaining balance between her career and personal wellbeing.
Safety concerns add to Emma Raducanu’s challenges
This is not the first time Emma Raducanu has had to set boundaries with the public. She has previously faced unsettling incidents of stalking and harassment. In 2021, one individual was arrested and handed a five-year restraining order after repeatedly stealing items from her doorstep. Another stalker attempted to follow her across multiple countries and was eventually blocked from purchasing Wimbledon tickets after being flagged by authorities.
Speaking about the severity of such experiences, Raducanu revealed:
“After the Dubai incident, that was probably the worst [public attention] I’ve had. I remember straight afterwards, I found it very difficult going out. I definitely had a bit of a leftover lag effect. But I’ve been a lot more astute, a lot more safe, and I have someone with me. I don’t really go out on my own as much. No solo walks. Just always having someone watching my back.”
Fighting through physical and emotional battles
Beyond the pressures of fame and security concerns, Emma Raducanu has also battled with physical struggles. In 2023, she underwent surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle following prolonged injury setbacks. Despite these hurdles, the British star remains determined to rebuild her career, all while demanding respect for her private life.