Emma Raducanu’s relationship with her parents has been a significant influence on both her personal and professional life, especially regarding her private life and career decisions. In a 2024 interview with The Times, Raducanu discussed how her parents enforced strict rules growing up, including a ‘boyfriend ban’ intended to prevent any distractions from her tennis training. She expressed that she was not allowed to hang out with her girlfriends regularly, which led to some resentment during her formative years. However, Raducanu acknowledged that these restrictions ultimately helped her develop confidence and self-reliance, qualities she considers strengths today[1][2].
Raducanu’s father, Ian, has played a particularly hands-on role in managing her tennis career. He was closely involved in selecting her coaches, often seeking out various expert opinions to help guide his daughter’s development. This approach was noted by her former coaches and admired for prioritizing Emma’s personal and educational development over the pursuit of rapid financial or competitive gains. According to Belgian coach Philippe Dehaes, Emma’s parents consistently focused on her overall growth and well-being, ensuring she maintained a strong educational background alongside her tennis ambitions[3].