British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has opened up about her surprisingly anonymous commutes on the London Underground, even as she enjoys a fresh new look during the sport's off-season.
Embracing the rush hour commute
The 23-year-old athlete, currently ranked 29th in the WTA world rankings, has described her daily journeys as a form of switching off from the pressures of professional sport. Raducanu stated she has been part of the capital's rush hour every day, travelling on the South Western Railway service to Waterloo.
"As soon as I get on the South Western to Waterloo, I'm just like, my day is done now," Raducanu explained. She noted that while people occasionally recognise her, the intense focus of commuters often works in her favour. "In rush hour, people are so locked into their worlds, they are all so zoned out, they're not really paying attention."
A stunning new look for the off-season
Another factor contributing to her ability to blend in may be her recently transformed appearance. Last Wednesday, Italian stylist Nicola Noviello showcased Raducanu's fresh look on his social media, captioning the post: "Italian hands, British elegance. A fresh new look for Emma Raducanu."
Raducanu herself responded via her own Instagram account with the message: "You're the best best." The tennis star often wears a hood during her travels, but emphasised she no longer feels she is hiding from public attention.
Reflecting on a landmark season
The 2025 season has been Raducanu's most successful since her shock triumph at the 2021 US Open. Despite some early tournament exits and a foot injury that forced her to withdraw from two exhibition matches in the United States, she has compiled a 28-22 win-loss record this year.
Her mainstream profile and commercial success have grown considerably, with her net worth now estimated to be at least £13.5 million. As December begins, Raducanu is preparing for her return to competitive action in 2026, using the off-season to recharge.
Raducanu appears to have found a peaceful balance between her public life and personal time. "If people recognise me, and they want to come up to me, then that's great," she said, describing the hectic pace of London life. "It's like everyone's on a mission. You have to get the elbows out, just to get through."
For now, the tennis star continues to navigate the capital's transport network much like any other 23-year-old, enjoying a rare slice of normality during her well-earned break from the international tennis circuit.
