Google News Grandmother wanted Raducanu to quit tennis after Wimbledon: “She couldn’t breathe”
by CLAUDIU POP | VIEW 3737
Emma Raducanu’s shiny future was one step of being denied after her grandmother revealed that she had asked Grand Slam winner’s parents whether she should quit tennis, according to an exclusive Daily Mail interview with 88-year-old Niculina Raducanu.
As she had been worried for the health of her niece, who accused breathing problems in one of the matches played at Wimbledon (against Ajla Tomljanovic), Niculina’s act is typical for a caring grandmother. “I asked her parents if she should quit tennis because what if something should happen to Emma? Her health is more important (than wealth or fame).
The court she played on that day had a roof over it because it was raining, and she felt she couldn't breathe,” said Emma’s grandmother after being tracked down by Daily Mail in Bucharest, Romania’s capital.
Raducanu’s grandmother didn’t watch the US Open final
Emma’s Romanian granny couldn’t even watch what was the most important moment of her niece’s career so far, the winning of the US Open Grand Slam.
“The night she won the U.S. Open, I couldn't watch because my heart couldn't take it. I said to myself: 'This match is going to be a really tough one,' so I decided not to watch it. I only found out the news the next day, and I was delighted she was strong and healthy, and that her mind was healthy also — especially after what happened the last time [at Wimbledon],” said Niculina Raducanu.
However, Niculina's sensitiveness didn’t stop her to be happy for Emma and her father (Niculina’s son). “When I talked to my son, I was happy for him. He would have been so disappointed if she'd have lost after all the work and resources they'd put into this.
Of course, I'm very proud of her. But I've never told anyone I'm the grandmother of a Grand Slam champion. I am a very modest woman, and I don't want people to think I'm bragging. When Emma puts her mind to it, she will get it.
She was always a fighter. I always taught her how to be kind, polite and nice to people. I told her not to harm anyone, and speak nicely to everyone. That's what I think she got from me,” said Emma Raducanu’s grandmother.