Emma Raducanu has gained more than two million Instagram followers in the last year but Roger Federer warned tennis’ newest star about the ‘horrible’ dangers of social media exposure.
The 18-year-old’s rapid rise to superstardom has been remarkable and shocked the tennis world by winning the US Open.
AFP
Raducanu ended Britain’s 44-year wait for a female grand slam winner and became the first ever qualifier to win a slam.
The Bromley teenager has gone from being a relatively unknown prospect at the start of 2021, still at school, to becoming one of the most sought after talents.
Brands are scrabbling to sign her up to endorsements, she has been invited to A-list events, and all eyes will be on when she takes to the court next.
Her social media figures have climbed significantly since the start of the year, and she has picked up more than two million Instagram followers.
Instagram – @emmaraducanu
Instagram – @emmaraducanu
Raducanu has jumped from fewer than 10,000 to two million since January 1 – an increase of 20,847 per cent – outstripping the growth rate of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and LeBron James.
Although she still has a long way to go before reaching the same level Ronaldo’s 346million followers on the platform.
Tennis legend Federer, though, has urged caution with social media for some of the game’s new stars, particularly Raducanu and Naomi Osaka.
When asked by GQ if there is too much pressure on the young emerging players, Federer said: “Yes, I think so. I was following Emma Raducanu’s incredible run in Wimbledon and also Naomi Osaka these last few years – it’s been amazing, both of their stories.
“But it hurts when you see what happens and when they don’t feel well. The stress is so great. And I think a lot has to be down to social media: the first ten years of my life there was no social media, maybe I had just a website, then the next ten years social media was everywhere.
Getty
“Also, in regards to this, the press situation does need to be reconsidered. I think I’m one of the athletes who’s done the most press – ever! And I agree that it’s always the same. Always.
“I think players, the tournaments, journalists, we need to sit down together in a room and go, ‘OK, what would work for you and what works for us…’ We need a revolution. Or at least an evolution of where we are today.
“I think we do need to help, coach and mentor the younger generation more. I can’t imagine going through the beginning of my career with social media; I have no clue how I would have handled it.
“For every ten nice comments there’s always one negative comment and, of course, that is the one you focus on. It’s a horrible situation.
“Even when I am feeling down I know I need to act a certain way in front of the world’s press. We need to remember that tennis players are athletes and professionals, but we are also human too.”
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