A sporting star for the ages
Emma Raducano’s amazing win at the US Open Tennis last Saturday is the stuff of legend and a sporting success for the ages. She became the first qualifier to win any major tennis championships, didn’t drop a set throughout the tournament and at just 18 years old, in only her fourth professional event, to achieve what she has, is simply amazing. Even with all the wonderful Olympic performances and England’s football successes, for me, her achievement outstrips them all.
I’m a tennis fan, so I’m probably biased and it’s one of the few sports I love to watch and play. It’s a wonderfully social sport, great for developing a plethora of skill sets, abilities, fitness and it’s also great fun. At the professional level, tennis is one of the toughest of all sports both physically and mentally. Players must command skills with patience & aggression, and deal with highly frustrating moments. and Matches can ebb and flow, and whilst abilities are very often similar, the difference comes down to mental strength. In that sense, tennis is like life, we all have ups and downs to cope with and success will often depend on how we handle our failures.
Be in the present
Let me take you back to 1981 Wimbledon. Not very present but bear with me...
Sporting historians would remember McEnroe’s first Wimbledon title (I do and also remember heading straight to the courts to replay the match) defeating Bjorn Borg, and breaking Borg’s run of five consecutive championships, but perhaps the more memorable event was the famous “You cannot be serious” match in the first round. Consider what it was like for his opponent, Tom Gullikson, to maintain his composure during those moments. Whilst we can debate whether McEnroe’s outburst was excessive or not (the ball was indeed in!), he used such occasions to reset his equilibrium, as well as fire himself up, and unsettle his opponents. McEnroe’s mastery of sporting psychology was highly advanced even aged 22, as he was then.
In post-match interviews throughout the tournament Raducanu referenced “being in the present or moment” numerous times as a key to her success. Raducanu’s ability to stay composed and focus on the present, as well as harness what was going on around her to her own gain, was remarkable to behold. Such maturity and self-awareness in one so young, is certainly unique and the ability to forget the previous success or failure and play each point separately is a rare skill, which should she be able to maintain that ability, will surely create further opportunities for successes.
One particular moment stands out for me. In the last game of the final, Raducanu’s opponent, Leylah Fernandez, who played an outstanding match (and tournament) as well, was putting increasing pressure on Raducanu. The score was at 30 all and with Raducanu serving, Fernandez sent a beautiful ball down the line forcing Raducanu to slide to return and in so doing, she cut her knee (and lost the point), requiring a medical timeout. Fernandez, who realised that she had momentum on her side at that moment lost her composure and angrily remonstrated with the umpire at this turn of events, all the while watched by Raducanu, who almost appeared to be feeding off her anger and frustration. When play resumed and facing a break point, Raducanu calmly defended that and an additional break point, before finishing with an ace to win the match and the championship. Emotional energy is a precious commodity – use it wisely in battle.
Tough Love
Raducanu’s parents grew up in former Communist countries, her mother in China, and her father in Romania. Their upbringings were strongly academic, would likely have been challenging with social and economic restrictions and they would undoubtedly be hard-working, resourceful and adaptable. Both parents work in finance, understand the value of working hard and were likely hard on her and difficult to please. Being exposed to such a diverse and strong cultural background, with strong influences on her, will only make her more grounded and likely to succeed through the tough times. Her father has been quoted as saying after speaking to her after her victory; “You’re better than I thought you were”.
Local girl done good
Born in Toronto, Canada, and brought up in Bromley, we should celebrate her achievements, now and the ones that will surely come, not put too much pressure on her, but understand that the UK, Canada, China & Romania, as well as the tennis world has a rare talent that will endure for years to come. Her victory was a truly wonderful moment and lingering inspiration to us all. We wish Emma every success and hope that she can match this achievement again soon. I will certainly be watching her career with interest.
The author is a co-founder of FitFor, is a former UK Decathlon champion, just bought his kids tennis lessons and his 3 year-old a new racket. No pressure kids!