Open Letter from Emma Raducanu to Naomi Osaka, Fans, and the Entire Tennis Community
Dear Naomi, Fans, and the Tennis Community,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the shared experiences we, as athletes, undergo and the immense pressure we face from both within and outside the court. Today, I want to address not only Naomi but also the incredible fans and the broader tennis community, who have always supported and inspired us in ways that words can scarcely describe.
Naomi, from the moment I first watched you play, I was in awe of your grace and power. You have broken barriers, not just on the tennis court, but also as a trailblazer for mental health awareness. You’ve shown the world what it means to be resilient, to stand tall in the face of adversity, and to be unapologetically yourself. It was no surprise when you reached such heights in your career, as your passion and drive were always evident. Your victories have been celebrated by millions, and your journey has paved the way for many of us who look up to you.
But I know your path hasn’t been easy. As a fellow player on the WTA tour, I understand the intense pressures we face daily—not just the expectations to perform, but the emotional toll of trying to balance our public lives with personal well-being. You have been vocal about the struggles of mental health, and your honesty has been both courageous and necessary. It’s not just a conversation that needs to be had, but a revolution in how we view and support athletes’ mental health.
For me, the last few years have been nothing short of a whirlwind. The high of winning the US Open in 2021 was a moment that changed my life in ways I’m still processing. But it wasn’t long before I realized that navigating fame, expectations, and the demands of the sport could feel overwhelming. There were moments of self-doubt, struggles with pressure, and times when I questioned my own ability to stay grounded. The sport we love comes with such an immense sense of responsibility, but it also takes a lot from us. And no one can prepare you for that.
I think it’s time for all of us to acknowledge that while tennis may be a physically demanding sport, it’s also emotionally taxing. We’re not just athletes; we’re human beings. In our pursuit of greatness, it’s easy to forget that. As a community, we need to ensure that there is space for these conversations—not only for the champions like you, Naomi, but for every player who steps onto that court, no matter their ranking.
I am immensely grateful for the support I have received, from my team, my family, and, of course, my fans. You have all helped me during my most challenging moments, reminding me that I am more than my victories and defeats. The pressure to constantly perform and prove oneself can sometimes cloud the joy that the sport once brought, but the love and encouragement from all of you make it easier to continue. It’s comforting to know that the tennis community is one that understands the highs and lows of this journey.
Naomi, I want to say thank you—not just for the incredible example you’ve set on the court but also for your authenticity and bravery in sharing your struggles. It’s made me reflect on how we, as athletes, can be more open with one another, supporting each other in ways that transcend competition. As much as we are rivals on the court, we are part of a much larger family. And it is this family that, I believe, can help heal and grow the sport into something that not only celebrates victories but also nurtures its players through their lows.
To the fans, I cannot express enough how much your support means to me and to every player who competes. It is easy to get lost in the noise, to feel overwhelmed by the expectations, but when I look out from the court and see the faces of those who believe in us, it grounds me. Your belief in us gives us strength. I hope you all know how much we appreciate every cheer, every message, and every moment you spend supporting the sport.
Lastly, to the entire tennis community, I urge us all to come together and continue pushing for a culture that prioritizes the well-being of players. We must create a space where it’s okay to not be okay, where mental health is as important as physical health, and where players feel empowered to speak up without fear of judgment. Let’s support one another, on and off the court, and ensure that future generations of tennis players can thrive not just as champions but as healthy, happy individuals.
Thank you, Naomi, for being a beacon of strength and for showing us all the importance of mental health. Thank you to the fans for your unwavering support, and thank you to the entire tennis community for fostering an environment that continues to challenge us, both as athletes and as human beings.
With gratitude and respect,
Emma Raducanu
