British tennis star Emma Raducanu has concluded a gruelling yet satisfying 2025 season by embracing the simple comforts of home in Bromley and adopting a refreshingly pragmatic stance on the sport's demanding global schedule.
Finding Peace and Progress in a Solid Season
In a candid roundtable discussion, the 23-year-old revealed her contentment after a year of significant progress. Raducanu climbed from outside the world's top 60 to a year-end ranking of No. 29, her highest position since 2022, while competing more frequently and consistently than ever before.
She credits much of her current inner peace to quality time spent at her family home in the London Borough of Bromley. "I'm just so settled," Raducanu said, highlighting the area's new coffee shops, greenery, and even her daily commute on the South Western Railway to Waterloo as a form of mental switch-off.
Building Stability and Looking Ahead
Off the court, Raducanu has actively sought stability within her team, a long-standing challenge. She has established a promising coaching partnership with Spaniard Francisco Roig, a former key figure in Rafael Nadal's camp. For the 2026 season, she will be joined by a new physiotherapist and strength coach, Emma Stewart, who brings experience from British Rowing's Olympic programme.
Her recent off-season was dedicated to mental rejuvenation, focusing intensely on language learning. She improved her Chinese while visiting family, worked on her Spanish at Roig's suggestion, and practised French, often mixing languages in conversation. "It's the best thing I can do for myself," she explained, noting it helps her become a better version off the court.
Overcoming Challenges and a Refreshing Perspective
The year was not without difficulty. Raducanu referenced unsettling encounters with a fixated individual early in 2025, which initially affected her confidence in public. However, she stated she has now largely moved past it, though was recently "creeped out" by paparazzi photos published in a tabloid that misleadingly suggested she had a new boyfriend.
Amidst widespread player criticism of the tennis calendar's length, Raducanu offered a distinct viewpoint. While acknowledging the mental and physical toll, she expressed reluctance to complain. "We make a great living," she stated, comparing it to any demanding job. She believes top players setting a non-complaining example is more inspiring for the next generation.
Raducanu will soon begin an intense pre-season block with Roig in Barcelona, aiming to build on her 2025 foundations and close the gap to the world's elite. Her next competitive outing will be alongside Jack Draper for Great Britain in the mixed-team United Cup in Australia in January.
Reflecting on her journey, Raducanu said, "I think I went through some very difficult times on and off the court at the start of the year... but I think it really taught me the strength that I have to pull myself out of it." She heads into the new season feeling content and focused on continuous learning.
