“Enough, Stop Putting Pressure on My Daughter”: Emma Raducanu’s Mother Breaks Down Over Threats

In a deeply emotional moment, Emma Raducanu’s mother broke into tears during a press conference on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 4:30 PM +07, pleading for an end to the relentless pressure on her daughter. She revealed that the 22-year-old British tennis star has been inundated with numerous messages and emails criticizing and threatening her to retire early following her recent loss to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. “A 22-year-old girl should not have to endure this,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

The outburst came after Raducanu’s defeat at the Cincinnati Open, where she fell to Sabalenka in a hard-fought match earlier this month. The loss, while a setback, has sparked an alarming wave of online abuse directed at the young athlete, who rose to fame after her stunning 2021 US Open victory. Her mother, speaking on behalf of the family, detailed the barrage of hostile communications, including threats and derogatory remarks, that have left Raducanu shaken. “She’s been through so much already,” she added, wiping away tears. “This has to stop.”

Raducanu, currently ranked in the top 10, has faced intense scrutiny throughout her career, with her every move dissected by fans and media alike. The recent criticism intensified after her loss to Sabalenka, with some questioning her resilience and calling for her to step away from the sport. The family’s decision to address the issue publicly underscores the toll it has taken on the young player, who has been open about her journey to balance fame with mental well-being.

The revelation has sparked outrage across social media, with fans rallying to support Raducanu. “This is disgusting—leave Emma alone,” one user posted on X. Another wrote, “A 22-year-old shouldn’t face threats for playing her heart out. Shame on the haters.” Tennis authorities have yet to comment officially, but calls for stricter measures against online harassment in the sport are growing louder.

Raducanu’s mother concluded her plea with a desperate call for compassion: “She’s my daughter, not a punching bag. Let her play, let her grow.” The incident has cast a spotlight on the darker side of professional tennis, highlighting the need for better protection for players, especially young stars like Raducanu, as she navigates the pressures of her career. With the US Open 2025 approaching, the focus now shifts to how the tennis community will respond to ensure her safety and support her journey forward.