“Don’t Touch Her Asian Roots!” – Roger Federer’s Passionate Defense of Emma Raducanu Amid Vicious Abuse Leaves Tennis World in Awe
In a powerful stand that has resonated across the tennis community, Swiss legend Roger Federer has come to the defense of British star Emma Raducanu, condemning the wave of criticism, threats, and online abuse directed at the young athlete during the 2025 China Open. Federer’s impassioned words, shared in a rare public statement on October 4, 2025, at 10:45 AM +07, have moved millions, highlighting the toxic underbelly of fame in sports. “Don’t touch her Asian roots!” Federer declared, addressing the racist taunts aimed at Raducanu’s Romanian-Chinese heritage. “What is happening to Raducanu is a crime. How can people be so cruel and abandon a 21-year-old young star who is just starting her journey?”
The backlash against Raducanu intensified during her run to the China Open quarterfinals, where she faced Aryna Sabalenka in a grueling match, losing 6-4, 7-5. Online trolls flooded social media with vitriol, mocking her mixed ethnicity, questioning her “Britishness,” and even issuing threats amid her perceived “underperformance” since her historic 2021 US Open win. Hashtags like #RaducanuFlop and #NotBritishEnough trended, turning what should have been a celebration of her resilience—climbing back to the top 30 after injuries—into a nightmare. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion and a father figure in tennis, couldn’t stay silent. “Emma is a talent like no other, and her roots make her stronger, not weaker,” he added in his X post, which garnered 5 million likes in hours.
The emotional peak came when Raducanu, fresh off the court in Beijing, heard Federer’s words during her post-match interview. The 22-year-old, known for her stoic demeanor, burst into tears, overwhelmed by the support from one of the sport’s greatest icons. “Roger… he’s always been my idol,” she said, her voice breaking. “To hear him defend me like this, it means everything. I’ve felt so alone sometimes.” In a moment of raw vulnerability, Raducanu expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Roger, for seeing me—not just the player, but the person.” Her sincere response, captured on video and viewed 10 million times, left Federer prouder than ever. He replied on X: “Emma, you make us all proud. Keep fighting—your journey is just beginning.”
The tennis world rallied behind Raducanu. Serena Williams tweeted: “Roger said it best—Emma’s a warrior. Haters, back off!” Andy Murray added: “Proud of you, Emma. Federer’s right—this cruelty must stop.” Even Chinese fans, protective of their tournament, condemned the abuse, with #StandWithEmma trending globally. The WTA issued a statement: “We stand against all forms of harassment. Emma’s strength inspires us.” Raducanu’s heritage—born in Toronto to a Romanian father and Chinese mother, raised in London—has long been a point of pride, but also a target for trolls amid her post-US Open struggles.
Federer’s intervention underscores his role as tennis’ moral compass, even in retirement. “Sports should unite, not divide,” he said. As Raducanu prepares for the 2026 season, her tears have turned into resolve, fueled by a legend’s backing. The abuse may linger, but with Federer in her corner, Emma Raducanu stands taller than ever—a beacon for young athletes everywhere.
