Emma Raducanu’s Instagram briefly vanished, hinting at a possible social media hiatus, only to pop back up soon after. The 22-year-old’s whirlwind journey since her 2021 US Open triumph has been anything but smooth. That breakout win in New York catapulted her to stardom, but the past three years have been a grind—marked by on-court struggles, relentless injuries, and a fading sponsorship glow. Deals inked in the wake of her Grand Slam glory have either lapsed or are nearing their end, her brand appeal dimming from its post-US Open peak.
Still, ditching social media entirely isn’t an option while she’s tied to sponsors. In today’s game, her 2.6 million Instagram followers and athlete status make her a powerhouse influencer, especially for a young audience that sees her as more than a tennis player. Without that “influencer” tag, her commercial pull would take a hit—likely why her account, shuttered last week, is back online. The platform’s perks come with a dark side, though, and Raducanu’s felt the sting. Her iconic US Open run inspired girls worldwide, but the fallout—trolls on X dedicated to mocking her losses and injuries, plus Instagram jabs at her game and fitness—highlights the modern world’s cruelty.
The pressure boiled over in Dubai recently, when a fan’s “fixated behaviour” left her rattled. “I was very distraught,” she said. “I saw him during the first game and thought, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish.’ I couldn’t see the ball through tears, could barely breathe. I needed a breather.” Post-match, she broke down—not just over the loss, but the emotional toll. Tennis broadcaster Marcus Buckland, speaking to Tennis365, wonders if she might walk away. “It’s tough for her,” he said. “I hope she doesn’t decide she doesn’t need tennis. She’s earned enough to not worry about money—maybe try banking, like she’s mentioned.”
Buckland draws a parallel to Annabel Croft, who quit at 21, fed up with the sport’s public grind. “She told me it was like a daily office argument in front of everyone,” he noted. “She never looked back. Raducanu could do the same—she’s retired for a long time if she stops now.” Her game’s got flair—she can hang with the best—but consistency eludes her. Buckland sees mental scars from her post-US Open ride holding her back. “She needs a solid off-court team to handle the noise. Until she stacks wins against top players, those doubts won’t fade. She might wonder why she’s doing this.”
Raducanu’s influencer status, born from her stunning rise, means social media’s a must—even if it chips away at her mental health. It’s a brutal balancing act for a young star still finding her footing.
