Emma Raducanu is among the biggest names in tennis, having emerged as a global star following her US Open triumph in 2021. The young Brit has slipped down the pecking order since then, with injuries and patchy form standing in the way of further success.
Raducanu’s improbable victory at the US Open three years ago went down as one of the biggest sporting shocks of all time. She remains the only qualifier in the Open era to win a Grand Slam singles title, an incredible record which is unlikely to be matched any time soon.
A lengthy absence followed when Raducanu underwent surgery on her hands and ankles last year. Now fit again, she is fighting hard to restore former glories but still has a long way to go when it comes to challenging for more Grand Slam titles.
Express Sport takes a look at Raducanu’s private life, starting with an unusual ban imposed by her parents…
Boyfriend ban
Raducanu was banned from having boyfriends while growing up, with her rise to fame coming at the cost of any teenage romances. Her parents stopped her from getting into any relationships, which she later admitted caused her to resent their hard-line approach.
“My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training,” she told The Times. “When I was younger I wasn’t even allowed to hang out with my girl friends. A lot of the time I was very resentful, but it made me very confident and comfortable in my own company.”
After reaching adulthood, Raducanu entered a relationship with Carlo Agostinelli, the son of billionaire financier Robert Agostinelli. They dated for several months before it was revealed they had broken up in the lead-up to Wimbledon earlier this year.
Expensive hobbies
Raducanu indulges in a number of hobbies when she is away from the court, with horse riding the most expensive of them all. A lack of free time has prevented her from riding as much as she would like, but she is planning to get back on the saddle.
In an interview with Elle earlier this year, she said: “I love being in Bromley. The greenery, the countryside. It’s just so lovely, and if I have some more time I’d like to start horse riding again.”
Raducanu has also taken up painting as a way to escape from the pressure of elite sport. Aside from that, she loves to read and recently explained that she tries to take a book with her everywhere she goes.
Impressive net worth
Raducanu boasts a healthy personal fortune, with the Sunday Times Rich List estimating her net worth at around £10million in 2022. Last year, she was named by Forbes as the sixth highest-paid tennis player in the world.
Most of her money has come from the brand endorsements she has taken on. She has signed sponsorship deals with Nike, Wilson and Evian and is a brand ambassador for the likes of Dior, Tiffany and Porsche.
Raducanu has also earned £3.35m in prize money, according to the WTA website, a figure which includes the £1.8m she took home for winning the US Open.
