Emma Raducanu enjoys anonymity during London rush hour, revealing how her new look keeps her under the Radar
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed that she frequently goes unnoticed during her commutes on London’s busy tube system, despite being one of the most recognisable athletes in the UK. The 23-year-old, who has become a household name since her remarkable US Open win in 2021, shared that her new hairstyle has played a part in her ability to blend in with the crowds.
Raducanu, who is taking a break from competitive tennis as the sport enters its quieter winter period, explained how she enjoys the anonymity her new look provides while travelling on the underground during rush hour. She described the hustle and bustle of London’s morning and evening commute as a time to ‘switch off’ and enjoy a moment of peace away from the pressures of fame.
“I’ve been part of rush hour every day, which has also been an experience,” Raducanu shared. “But it’s like my switch off. As soon as I get on the South Western Railway to Waterloo, I’m just like, my day is done now.”
Despite her star status, Raducanu confessed that she is rarely recognised, as most commuters are too absorbed in their own worlds to notice her. “Sometimes people recognise me. You know what’s actually funny, in rush hour, people are so locked into their worlds. They’re all so zoned out, they’re not really paying attention. They’re probably not expecting to see me either.”
Raducanu, who typically wears a hood during her commutes, believes this helps her remain unnoticed. She added, “I have my hood up or whatever, but they’re just so focused and absorbed in their own worlds. It’s all so crazy, like the haste in which everyone’s walking around.”
Her newfound privacy in public spaces is a far cry from the scrutiny she faces during her tennis career. The 23-year-old explained that with tennis entering its off-season, she has more free time, and her journeys around London have become a regular part of her routine. “It’s just an interesting experience to be part of rush hour. I don’t mind it at all, it gives me a chance to be in the moment and really switch off,” she said.
Despite the quieter months ahead, Raducanu is looking forward to her return to competitive tennis in 2026. For now, she’s enjoying the chance to embrace normal life, a rare luxury for a rising star who often finds herself in the public eye.
As she prepares for her return to the court, Raducanu’s candid thoughts on her everyday experiences reveal a side to the tennis sensation that many fans may not see. Whether she’s in the heat of a tennis match or simply riding the tube, Emma Raducanu continues to show that she’s just like any other 23-year-old finding moments of peace in a hectic world