Emma Raducanu is tennis’ latest sensation, and at 18 years old, many predict a bright future for her.
She is bringing a lot of freshness to the sport that is looking for a new face as greats like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka face personal challenges.
After winning the U.S. Open two weeks ago, the young British woman is enjoying life with her newfound fame. On Thursday, she joined Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, for an event that was celebrating her big win and those of other British champions.
In a perfect weather, Raducanu partnered with Kate for a double, and the royal has impressed the talented athlete. Duchess of Cambridge is a 39-year-old mother of three, but she is also a huge tennis fan.
Prince William‘s wife is a patron of the Lawn Tennis Association that was hosting the event. When it comes to the game of tennis, the future queen does not play, and she put her best foot forward. Many were left impressed.
Raducanu stated: “Her forehand was incredible!” In her small speech, the tennis prodigy tried to inspire the next generation of talents.
She explained: “Being back here does make me want to do more because seeing their inspired and excited faces when I walk in spurs me on. I can’t let them down, and I want to keep pushing on in my own career. Hopefully, they can get into tennis as well if they watch me.”
She continued: “Tennis is an unbelievable sport; it gives you so many opportunities and is so fun. It would be great for more kids to pick up a racket and try it. LTA Youth courses are a perfect way for everyone to get started.”
Kate also spoke and congratulated the athletes who made their fellow countrymen proud. She stated: “Amazing guys, honestly. Congratulations. Seriously impressive. It’s been so nice for all of you to come back here in your home country to celebrate back home.”
An event with a prominent member of the British royal family is the latest proof that Raducanu’s status has changed. The endorsements are starting to come.
She recently signed a deal with Tiffany & Co. that is said to be worth north of $2.7 million. Raducanu knows she is going places, and she needs a good team and support to get there.
In that spirit, she revealed Friday that she is moving forward without coach Andrew Richardson — the man who helped her win at Flushing Meadows in New York.
Raducanu shared: “Where I was at after Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world, and at the time, I thought Andrew would be a great coach to trial, so we went to the States but never did I even dream of winning the US Open and having the run I did and now I’m ranked 22 in the world, which is pretty crazy to me.”
She added: “I feel like at this stage in my career, and playing the top players in the world; I realized I really need someone right now that has had that WTA Tour experience at the high levels, which means that I’m looking for someone who has been at that level and knows what it takes.”
The tennis maven concluded: “And especially right now because I’m so new to it, I really need someone to guide me who’s already been through that.”
Raducanu and Duchess Kate give British people a lot of reasons to be proud.
