Emma Raducanu’s run at the 2021 US Open earned her millions of new fans. The British teenager impressed everyone with her dominant displays as she cruised to the title without dropping a single set.
Aggression, footspeed and agility — standout features of her 2021 US Open campaign — have been part of Raducanu’s game right from the start of her junior career.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) recently shared a video of a 9-year-old Raducanu playing in a local tournament at the National Tennis Center.
The video features an exciting baseline rally between Raducanu and fellow British player Sonay Kartal. The US Open champion can be seen dictating play for the majority of the 35-second-long video with her quick movement and confident strokes. However, just as Raducanu approaches the net, Kartal manages to unleash a forehand passing shot up the line.
📺 @EmmaRaducanu Tennis Archive 📺
Enjoy this epic rally between Emma & Sonay Kartal aged 9⃣ at the National Tennis Centre in 2011#ThrowbackThurdsay pic.twitter.com/dyMRvc1C1V
— LTA (@the_LTA) September 30, 2021
The LTA captioned the post: “Emma Raducanu Tennis Archive.” Recently, Sky Sports shared an interview they had conducted with an 11-year-old Raducanu, who spoke about her desire to win a Grand Slam.
Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray lead wildcard entrants for Indian Wells
Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray have been awarded wildcards for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, which is scheduled to be played in Indian Wells on October 4-11.
Indian Wells will be Raducanu’s first major event since her title-winning run at Flushing Meadows. The youngster was recently spotted hitting the practice courts in the lead-up to the tournament.
Raducanu and Murray lead the list of players who have received wildcards for the event. Other big names who have been awarded direct entry into the draw include former women’s singles champion Kim Clijsters, who is continuing her tennis comeback, and former top-10 men’s singles player Jack Sock.