Back in 2021, a young Raducanu made her first major breakthrough after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon as a debutante, and then soon shot to international stardom after winning the US Open later that year as a qualifier. But even all that fame (and the scrutiny that came along with it) felt like it was “just a much smaller scale” in comparison to what the players on the national team experience, Raducanu told press.
The highly touted England team has drawn criticism for its lackluster performances at Euro 2024—something Raducanu can certainly empathize with, after struggling to back up her own success in the wake of her Grand Slam victory.
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“They’re all under the microscope. I do feel for the scrutiny, because I feel like tennis is just a much smaller scale,” Raducanu reflected. “The whole nation is watching the football. The fans are very, very passionate… I think it just comes with success. It just comes with being at the top.
“I think when they’re not talking about you, that’s when you need to start to worry.”
Raducanu, a wildcard in the main draw, will next face No. 9 seed Maria Sakkari in the third round. She is also set to team up with Andy Murray in mixed doubles during the latter’s Wimbledon farewell.
