Emma Raducanu has received a heartfelt message from Leylah Fernandez as she makes her comeback following wrist and ankle surgeries.
The 21-year-old has recently undergone the operations due to chronic pain and has ramped up her return to the sport by competing in the Eastbourne International tournament this week. Raducanu shot to fame by clinching the 2021 US Open title and became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977 as she faced Fernandez in a nail-biting final.
Despite their intense on-court rivalry, Fernandez has extended support to Raducanu, empathising with the weight of expectations that comes with early success. The victory at the US Open propelled Raducanu to a career-high ranking of number 10, but injuries have since hampered her progress, causing her ranking to slip, reports the Express.
Now, as Raducanu fights to regain her form, Fernandez, who has experienced the pressure of the spotlight herself, offered words of encouragement. At just 18, Raducanu's triumph over the then-19 year old Fernandez, who was ranked higher, was a stunning upset and has placed pressure on the now 21-year-old, who admits expectations weigh on her like a "back pack of rocks".
Speaking to The Times, Fernandez said: "I can certainly understand what Emma's been going through."
The Canadian star opened up about the immense pressure young athletes face after early success, admitting she sometimes struggles to "accept" it. Fernandez said: "Sometimes you put extra pressure on yourself, because you did something incredible at such a young age. Then you're expected to do it again and again. I've been trying to accept it."
She added: "That's the hardest part, you feel you're accepting it, but in reality you're butting heads all the time with the pressure you give yourself." Despite the challenges that come with tennis fame, Raducanu is back hitting balls on the court post-surgery, eyeing up her next big win.
Fernandez, who has maintained her high rankings over the years, might soon clash rackets with her old US Open rival at Wimbledon. Kicking off her grass season, Raducanu impressively defeated former US Open champ Sloane Stephens 6-4 6-0 in Eastbourne as she ramps up preparations for SW19.
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