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Emma Raducanu ‘s replica US Open trophy will be paraded across the UK this summer on public show in a bid to inspire more youngsters to play tennis.
Raducanu made history when she became the first ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title with her victory at last year’s US Open. In the process, she also became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade’s 1977 Wimbledon win.
And the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is looking to capitalise on the 19-year-old’s success in a bid to get more youngsters interested in the sport. LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd said: “We have been talking to Wimbledon as well about how that can get some profile during the Championships.”
Raducanu is set to feature at Wimbledon this year for the first time since her US Open win, having reached the fourth round last year after entering as a wildcard. “It’s going to be in some ways a very tough year, a tough summer for her, in terms of her profile,” Lloyd added.
“It’s only a year ago she was sitting her A-Levels. Emma needs to try to find what works for her in terms of how she navigates the Tour and the travelling, domestic tournaments or internationally.
“It’s about getting into a pattern of where she wants to play in the lead-up to a Grand Slam. She doesn’t know that yet.
Raducanu is set to feature at Wimbledon later this year for the first time since her US Open win© Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Raducanu is set to feature at Wimbledon later this year for the first time since her US Open win
“She has a long way to go in terms of starting to find herself and learn what works for her to deliver optimal performances. The one thing I’ll say on that is that you saw her navigate that last summer with incredible maturity given the circumstances.
“She has a very level head on her shoulders. It’s a development period, it’s a learning experience, but she is in a good place. She knows what she wants to try and do.
“She is an incredible tennis player. I’m sure she will go on to many more successes in the years to come.”
Emma Raducanu’s US Open trophy to be paraded across UK in bid to get kids into tennis (msn.com)