Emma Raducanu has shared a sad revelation as she describes being "extremely naive" while dealing with fame.
The former Grand Slam champion revealed she "sometimes [wishes she] never won" the US Open in 2021 and hit out at "people in the industry" taking advantage of her because of her age.
The pressure that came alongside her unexpected success was high as she admitted having to be watchful of those she surrounded herself with.
"I had to mature very quickly. When I won I was extremely naive," she told the Sunday Times.
The pressure that came alongside her unexpected success was high as she admitted having to be watchful of those she surrounded herself with
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Raducanu soared to victory at the US Open without dropping a single set during the nine matches she played before the final.
However, the British number one realised that "the tour and everything that comes with it [is] not a very nice, trusting and safe space".
She added: "You have to be on guard because there are a lot of sharks out there."
The 20-year-old also claims "people in the industry" take advantage of her because of her young age.
"They see me as a piggy bank," she said.
"I have been burnt a few times. I have learnt, keep your circle as small as possible."
Raducanu said she would have traded "any struggle in the world" for the moment she won the championship.
Following her huge win, she admitted to having "a lot of setbacks, one after another".
Raducanu said she would have traded 'any struggle in the world' for the moment she won the championship
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This year she missed the French Open and won't feature in Wimbledon because of procedures on her hands and ankle.
It also meant her pulling out of the Madrid Open just hours before she was due on court.
She said: "The pain escalated last summer after Wimbledon.
"I started with a new coach and I was really motivated to get going. We were overtraining... and I carried on even through pain because I didn't want to be perceived as weak."