Game, Set, Match: The Expectations of Emma Raducanu
We all hold expectations of ourselves and others. How fair is it to have them and how should we navigate unmet expectations?
July 2022 Elle Magazine
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
We are all subject to the expectations of others. From childhood to adulthood, certain presumptions are placed on us, some of which can be good and fair.
Certain expectations help us stay accountable to the responsibilities of life and can help us grow into our purpose and as people.
For example, it would be fair for our boss to expect us to complete our work to a standard of excellence and by the deadline.
It would also be reasonable for close friends to want effort from us through showing an eagerness to meet up and regularly checking in.
But some expectations, internal and external, produce pressure to live up to something or someone we aren’t.
They can hold us to unrealistic standards or place us on a journey we don’t want to be on. Down the line, this sets those placing the expectations and those facing them up for disappointment.
Great expectations have the potential to become too great, weighing us down rather than giving us something to strive for.
WELL PLAYED
Last week, UK tennis player, Emma Raducanu, faced this publicly.
Following her win in the US Open in 2021, eyes were on her as she played in the British tennis tournament, Wimbledon, last week.
With hype growing as she won her first round, disappointment flooded many after her second-round defeat led to her exit.
It was not long before dismay turned to flack from media and tennis fans after Raducanu responded to a question regarding her loss and public pressure she could be feeling about the US Open in August.
Raducanu answered ‘There’s no pressure. Why is there any pressure? I’m still 19, it’s a joke.’
Raducanu shunning the expectation to win every match caused some to question her attitude.
Others saw her response as mature and resilient, with the likes of Karren Brady, a British Business Executive, being sure to back her.
‘I think it is rather impressive that she shook off the defeat, reminding us that it really isn’t about winning, it’s about taking part with the right attitude that counts. She is young and has her whole career ahead – it’s great that she has got this in perspective.’ Brady wrote in an article for The Sun.
SHRUGGING IT OFF
This example highlights how external opinions have the potential to cloud our view of our ability and character.
How can we deal with the expectations of others and stay grounded in our purpose despite praise or scorn?
Recognising which pressures are good for us can be a helpful starting point.
In Emma’s case, entering Wimbledon, it would have been fair to expect her to train to her best ability. This pressure may have spurred her on in the intensities of training too.
However, expecting her to win would be unfair as, with all the training in the world, winning is not fully within her control.
Seeing the reality of certain pressures as unjust gives a logistic reason to brush them off and persevere despite them.
Raducanu seems also to show awareness that she is on her own journey and makes no apologies if this does not match up with those of onlookers. She is not blind to the fact that this journey will include wins and losses. A message that faith reinforces.
‘And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places…’ Isaiah 58:11, NIV.
Always expecting wins for ourselves or others in whatever area of life is unreasonable.
We see in the Bible that setbacks are unavoidable, but we will not be alone in these. God cares about our hopes and dreams and will help us on the road.
Remembering we are all on our own bumpy road does not excuse us from putting in the hard work but allows us to have grace for ourselves when we face disappointments.
Patience in this journey helps us develop character in setbacks.
‘Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.’ Proverbs 16:32, NIV.
We see that developing disposition is praised over always coming first. So when internal or external expectations fall, we can remind ourselves that it is not about where we are on the leaderboard, but who we are.
We all have our victories and hurdles waiting for us in our future. Taking the pressure off ourselves and others helps us celebrate the highs and take the lows in stride, knowing it’s all part of the game.
WORDS BY
Ellie Dalton
