While world champion Littler swept aside the field to win the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final, Raducanu suffered an early exit at the Australian Open, crashing out in the second round to Anastasia Potapova. The British number two, seeded 28th, had been eyeing a potential third-round clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka, only to fall 7-6 (3), 6-2 in Melbourne.
The contrast could hardly be sharper. Littler’s latest triumph underlined his rapid rise to the top of the darts world, while Raducanu’s defeat marked another frustrating chapter in a career that has struggled to regain the heights of her sensational 2021 US Open victory, when she lifted the title as an 18-year-old qualifier.
Despite ongoing injury setbacks and inconsistent form, the 23-year-old remains British tennis’s most recognisable figure, with scrutiny rarely easing. Yet her achievements appeared to have largely passed Littler by when he spoke about her last year.
“We’ve had no involvement as of yet,” Littler told the Daily Mail in 2025. “I didn’t know much about her, but I know she won what she did at a young age. I’m sure her social media team or mine will be in touch — and I’d like to meet up.”
Raducanu, by contrast, has been openly admiring of Littler’s achievements and the skill required to succeed at the highest level in darts.
“Amazing respect to him,” she said last year. “Big time [I’d be interested in meeting Littler]. I’d love to meet any top athletes and top individuals who have succeeded in their fields.”
She has also spoken candidly about the pressures that come with early success and constant attention — an experience Littler is now encountering himself.
“Not much prepares you for that,” Raducanu explained. “You feel like you’re constantly a bit on edge because you’re being followed [by photographers] or something.
“But the biggest part is the judgement and the comments about every single decision you make. That was really difficult for me — trying to desensitise myself and understand it comes with the territory. Staying away from that noise and keeping on my path has probably been the biggest adjustment.”
Following her loss to Potapova, Raducanu admitted she was unhappy with her performance, prompting renewed speculation over her partnership with coach Francisco Roig.
The former US Open champion has worked with several coaches since her breakthrough, though she has previously spoken positively about Roig, a former key member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team.
Still, Raducanu conceded she has yet to find the right formula on court.
“I think I’m going to take a few days, get back home and re-evaluate my game,” she said. “Watch it back, see where I can improve — both in how it feels and how it looks.
“I want to feel better on certain shots before I start playing again. I want to be playing a different way, and that misalignment between how I’m playing now and how I want to play is something I really need to work on.”
For now, Littler’s ascent and Raducanu’s search for answers continue on diverging paths — two prodigies navigating the highs and lows of elite sport under an unforgiving spotlight.
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