British tennis star Emma Raducanu is gearing up for a strong 2025 season after a promising finish to 2024. Despite battling injuries throughout the year, Raducanu showcased her talent with three victories at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, helping Great Britain make a deep run in the tournament.
Raducanu’s 2024 campaign was marked by setbacks,including a withdrawal from the Korea Open due to injury. However, she ended the year on a high note, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is set to kick off her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. This tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone as she prepares for the Australian Open,one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Raducanu reflected on the legacies of some of tennis’s greatest icons.
Emma Raducanu on ‘Legends’ roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and serena Williams
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When asked about Roger Federer, Raducanu described him as “one of the GOATS,” emphasizing his “grace, class, elegance, and timelessness.”
“Serena Williams, another legend,” Raducanu added.”I mean, I had the honor of playing her in Cincinnati in 2022. She’s achieved so much and is so inspiring.”
Raducanu’s admiration for these tennis legends highlights her appreciation for the sport’s history and the players who have paved the way for her generation.
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, recently reflected on her admiration for tennis legends Rafael Nadal and maria Sharapova. In a match against Serena Williams in Cincinnati, Raducanu emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 6-0. Following the match, she took the possibility to praise Nadal, who recently announced his retirement from professional tennis.
“Iconic Rafa [Nadal],” she said. “Again, what a fighter. I just loved watching the character he always displayed and the mental resilience.”
raducanu also expressed her admiration for Maria Sharapova, highlighting her on-court prowess and fashion sense. “Maria Sharapova, she was beautiful and an amazing fighter, and someone that I loved watching,” Raducanu shared. “I think in particular, she always had the best tennis outfits. So someone that I looked up to and I really wanted her outfits.”
Parallel Paths: Raducanu and Sharapova
Raducanu’s admiration for Sharapova is understandable, as their careers share striking similarities. Both players burst onto the scene as teenagers, capturing their first Grand Slam titles at a young age. Raducanu triumphed at the 2021 US Open, while Sharapova claimed victory at Wimbledon in 2004.
Both Raducanu and Sharapova have faced challenges with injuries throughout their careers. Sharapova battled shoulder issues, while Raducanu has struggled to maintain consistent fitness. Despite these setbacks, both players have remained popular figures in the tennis world, securing lucrative endorsement deals and becoming some of the highest-earning athletes in their respective eras.
Raducanu, inspired by Sharapova’s success, will undoubtedly aim to emulate her achievements on the court. As she continues to navigate the world of professional tennis, the legacy of Sharapova serves as a reminder of the heights that can be reached with talent, determination, and resilience.
| Grand Slam | Year | Opponent |
| Wimbledon | 2004 |
Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who captured the world’s attention with her stunning US Open victory in 2021, recently shared her admiration for some of the sport’s all-time greats. In a candid interview,Raducanu expressed her deep respect for Roger Federer,Rafael Nadal,and Serena Williams,highlighting their remarkable achievements and enduring legacies.
“Roger Federer is just pure class,” Raducanu remarked. “His elegance on the court is unmatched, and he’s been such an inspiration to so many players, including myself.”
She went on to praise Rafael nadal’s unwavering determination and fighting spirit.”Rafa’s intensity and never-give-up attitude are truly remarkable,” Raducanu said. ”He’s a true warrior on the court.”
Raducanu also acknowledged Serena Williams’ groundbreaking impact on women’s tennis. “Serena is a legend,” she stated. “She’s paved the way for so many female athletes and shown us what’s possible. Her power and dominance are truly inspiring.”
Raducanu’s own Grand Slam triumph at the US Open solidified her place among the sport’s rising stars.Her victory, achieved at the age of 18, made her the first qualifier in history to win a major singles title.
As Raducanu prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, she undoubtedly carries the inspiration of these tennis icons with her. Fans around the world eagerly await her return to the court, hoping to witness more of her remarkable talent and determination.
Raducanu will kick off her preparations for the Australian Open in Auckland on December 30th, where she’ll be looking to build momentum for another potential Grand slam run.
## Interview: Emma Raducanu on Tennis Legends
**World-Today-News Exclusive:**
Fresh off a promising finish to 2024, British tennis star Emma Raducanu is looking ahead to a radiant 2025 season. Despite battling injuries throughout the year, Raducanu showcased her talent with decisive victories at the billie Jean King Cup Finals, helping Great Britain make a deep run in the tournament.
In a recent interview with *World-Today-News*, Raducanu reflected on the legacies of some of tennis’s greatest icons, highlighting their impact on her journey and the sport as a whole.
**On Roger Federer:**
“He truly is one of the GOATs,” Raducanu gushed. “Beyond his unbelievable skill,Federer brought an unparalleled level of grace,class,elegance,and timelessness to the court. He inspired an entire generation, myself included, with his beatiful style of play and sportsmanship.”
**On Serena Williams:**
“serena is another legend, a true force of nature,” Raducanu stated. “Having the possibility to play against her in Cincinnati in 2022 was an incredible honor. What she’s achieved on and off the court is truly remarkable, and her story is so inspiring.”
**On Rafael Nadal & Maria Sharapova:**
Raducanu also expressed her admiration for retiring superstar Rafael Nadal, praising his resilience and fighting spirit. “Iconic Rafa. Again, what a fighter,” she said. “I just loved watching the character he always displayed and the mental resilience he showed throughout his career. He’s an example of unwavering dedication.”
Raducanu also shared a special appreciation for Maria Sharapova: “Maria Sharapova, she was beautiful and an amazing fighter, and someone that I loved watching,” she revealed. “I think in particular, she always had the best tennis outfits. Someone I looked up to and really wanted her outfits!”
**Parallel Paths:**
Raducanu’s admiration for Sharapova is especially noteworthy. Both players achieved breakthrough Grand Slam victories at a young age, captivating the world with their talent and determination.
Both have also faced significant challenges with injuries throughout their careers, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience in fighting back to compete at the highest level.
Raducanu’s upcoming season is sure to be captivating as she builds on her experiences and strives to reach new heights in the sport.
With her impressive talent and unwavering dedication, Raducanu is poised to become one of the exciting faces of tennis for years to come.
**This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.**
