While many tennis stars disappeared to luxury beaches and five-star resorts during the off-season, Emma Raducanu chose something far simpler and far more personal.
Instead of jetting off to the Maldives, the British No.1 stayed close to home, returning to her roots in Bromley for what she describes as a “nostalgic” and grounding break from the sport. After a demanding year on tour, Raducanu wanted familiarity, comfort, and time with her parents, things she rarely gets during a packed tennis calendar.
Away from match courts and training schedules, the 23-year-old found creative ways to keep her mind active without overloading herself. One solution? Homework. Raducanu has been teaching herself French and Spanish, setting tasks just like she did as a teenager balancing school and tennis.
“I needed something to occupy my brain,” she admitted, explaining that learning languages helps stop her from overthinking. And she’s not just studying for fun, she’s already using her new skills daily. She practises Spanish with her coach, Francisco Roig, French with her chiropractor, Jérôme Poupel, and has even started texting her agent in French.
Being back home also brought a wave of nostalgia. Raducanu stayed in her childhood bedroom, explored new specialty coffee spots, and even embraced rush-hour train journeys; something she sees as her way of truly switching off.
Despite being one of Britain’s most recognisable sports stars, Raducanu says most commuters are too focused on their phones to notice her. After a frightening incident with a fixated spectator earlier in the year, she’s now learning to feel comfortable being seen in public again and says she’s “owning that more.”
That said, fame still has its awkward moments. Raducanu revealed she was left uncomfortable after paparazzi photos sparked rumours about a new boyfriend. In reality, the man pictured was simply her best friend’s brother.
With her mental reset complete, Raducanu has now shifted focus to the future. She recently travelled to Barcelona for an intensive pre-season training block with Roig, who wants her to build a stronger base level rather than relying solely on tactical matchups.
Looking back on the year, Raducanu feels content and wiser. She’s faced challenges both on and off the court, but believes those experiences have helped her better understand her own resilience, limits, and wellbeing.
As preparations for the 2026 season continue, Raducanu’s off-season has shown that sometimes the best reset doesn’t come from paradise beaches, but from home, homework, and a good cup of coffee.
From Tube Rides to Language Homework: How Emma Raducanu Spent Her Most Down-to-Earth Off-Season Yet
