Rumors have been swirling recently about potential tension between Emma Raducanu and rising darts star Luke Littler, with some questioning whether Raducanu feels jealous of Littler’s rapid rise to fame. These speculations emerged following Raducanu’s candid comments about the pressures of sudden stardom, leading some to believe there may be underlying animosity. However, closer examination reveals that these rumors are likely based on misunderstanding, rather than any evidence of rivalry or jealousy.
Raducanu, who achieved global fame by winning the 2021 US Open at just 18, has been open about the difficulties of handling fame and the intense pressure that follows a major victory. Since her historic win, Raducanu has faced high expectations, scrutiny from the media, injury setbacks, and the ongoing challenge of staying consistent at the highest level. In interviews, she has candidly discussed how fame can leave an athlete feeling “constantly on edge,” and how the relentless judgment of her every decision has been one of the most challenging aspects of her journey.
However, Raducanu’s reflections were never targeted at Littler, nor were they meant to imply any resentment toward him. Instead, her comments serve as an honest portrayal of the struggles that come with public attention, something Littler, a rising star in darts, is also beginning to experience.
Raducanu has expressed admiration for Littler, who at just 19 has quickly become a household name in the darts world. Ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Raducanu spoke highly of Littler’s achievements and even expressed a desire to meet him. “I’d love to meet any top athletes who have succeeded in their fields,” Raducanu said. She also highlighted the mental challenges that both tennis and darts require, noting how both sports demand a high level of focus and precision. “Darts is such a precision sport, I’d be so interested to hear what he had to say about it, how he stays focused,” she shared, drawing a parallel between her own sport and his.
Rather than jealousy, Raducanu’s words reflect genuine respect for Littler’s success and the pressures he now faces. Both Raducanu and Littler are at similar crossroads in their careers, having been thrust into the public eye at young ages. Raducanu’s journey has taught her the importance of mental resilience, and she seems to view Littler’s rise as a challenge that he is handling with maturity.
In the end, the idea that Raducanu is jealous of Littler’s fame or has accused him of being “on edge” is unfounded. The two young stars share a mutual understanding of the pressures that come with early success in their respective sports. Raducanu’s openness about her own struggles, combined with her admiration for Littler, suggests that any tension between them is purely speculative. Instead, it seems that both athletes are focused on their individual journeys, supporting each other through the challenges they face.
