An Open Letter from Emma Raducanu to Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina:
Dear Naomi and Elena,
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on the paths we’ve each walked in this sport, as well as the challenges we’ve faced in what is often a daunting, yet exhilarating, world of professional tennis. We may have different stories, but I believe there’s a shared bond between us as athletes, competitors, and women striving to make our mark on the tennis world. Today, I want to take a moment to express my thoughts to both of you—not just as fellow competitors, but as women who have become symbols of strength, resilience, and hope in the sport we love.
Naomi, you’ve shown the world that being a champion isn’t just about victories on the court—it’s about standing up for what matters to you, for mental health awareness, and for the well-being of athletes. Your courage to speak out against the pressures of media scrutiny, your willingness to put your mental health first, and your ongoing commitment to raising awareness has inspired so many, including myself. You’ve taught us that it’s okay to not always be okay, and that taking a step back when needed is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
Elena, watching you rise in the ranks with such grace and determination has been incredible. Your success, especially your powerful Wimbledon victory, showed us what it means to be relentless. You’ve demonstrated that power and elegance can coexist. Your calm demeanor on court, even in the most high-pressure situations, speaks to an inner strength that few possess. Your perseverance reminds us that every setback, every loss, is just another step towards greater success. You’ve become a role model for young players everywhere, showing that hard work and dedication can take you to the top.
As someone who has experienced both triumph and struggle early in my career, I understand how challenging it can be to find balance amid the weight of expectations. After my US Open win, it felt as if I was being thrust into the spotlight in a way that was both overwhelming and thrilling. There were moments when it seemed impossible to manage all the noise, the pressures from outside, and the relentless pace of the tour. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is a key ingredient to navigating these turbulent waters, and that we aren’t alone in this journey.
One thing I’ve come to realize is that our voices, as athletes, are powerful. Not just because of what we achieve on the court, but because of what we can inspire off it. Our stories resonate with fans and people around the world, many of whom see us as symbols of hope, of defying expectations, of rewriting the rules. And with that, comes a responsibility—not to just our sport, but to each other as well.
Tennis is a demanding sport, and while we are often in direct competition on the court, off the court, there is a camaraderie that exists among us. We understand the sacrifices, the struggles, the triumphs in ways that others may not. The conversations we’ve had—whether on the practice courts or in passing—are often ones of support and mutual understanding. It’s important to continue to lift each other up, to support one another not just in times of victory, but also in moments of doubt or difficulty. The pressures of our profession are not just external; they come from within too. We need to remember that it’s okay to lean on each other, to share advice, and to remind one another of our worth, both as athletes and as individuals.
To the fans who support us—their loyalty and encouragement are invaluable. You are the ones who make every match feel significant, every achievement feel like it belongs to all of us. Your belief in us keeps us pushing forward, especially when the going gets tough. I think it’s essential to remember, however, that we are more than just tennis players to our fans. We are human beings with lives and emotions, and our journeys, while public, are also deeply personal. We can’t always give you every part of ourselves, but know that your love and support matter more than you may realize.
I’d like to take this moment to remind us all, especially the next generation of tennis players, that success in this sport—true success—goes beyond just lifting trophies. It’s about mental strength, about being able to rise after every fall, about learning to embrace our individuality, and about helping others along the way. Naomi, Elena, and I may walk different paths, but we share a love for this game, a commitment to the sport, and the realization that we’re just getting started.
Let’s continue to uplift each other as women in tennis. Let’s continue to inspire and break barriers, on and off the court. Together, we can redefine what it means to be champions—not just in tennis, but in life.
With admiration and respect,
Emma Raducanu.
