Emma Raducanu entered the 2025 season with high expectations to make deep runs in the Grand Slams, and so far, things are going well for the British star. She ended last season on a strong note, and she’s continuing that momentum at the Australian Open. After securing her first win in Melbourne, Raducanu shared her thoughts during a press conference, addressing whether she feels nervous in the early rounds of major tournaments.
“There are always nerves in the first rounds,” Raducanu admitted. “I think every player would agree. It’s about managing those nerves and getting through the early matches. I love playing in Grand Slams, the big tournaments, but there’s definitely more excitement and pressure in these events, especially with how crowded and intense they are. There’s so much going on around you. It’s important to stay focused and in your zone, and I think I’m doing a good job of that—just taking it day by day. That’s all I can do, and I’ll keep going.”
When asked if she finds her best level in crucial moments, Raducanu replied, “It’s one of my strengths. I enjoy playing in those decisive moments. Of course, there are nerves, but if you channel them well, it can work in your favor. I played two big tiebreaks in the first round of Wimbledon last year, and tiebreaks can go either way. You can’t always rely on them, so ideally, you’d want to close out the match earlier. But it’s good to have that confidence in the big moments.”
On early match schedules, Raducanu was candid about her challenges. “I’m not a fan, especially since I struggle to eat as soon as I wake up. This morning, I could barely manage some berries and coffee before training. Afterward, I had toast with honey and banana, just some carbs. I couldn’t even handle a small meal of rice and salmon. But I’ll make sure to get my salmon in later today,” she said with a smile.
