Tennis star Emma Raducanu has made a heartfelt appeal to the British public for their support as she navigates a crucial period in her season. The 2021 US Open champion, speaking at the Queen’s Club, ed her deep affection for playing on home soil and her desire to turn her year around.
Nostalgic Return to Grass Courts
The setting for Raducanu’s plea was fittingly the Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club, a venue steeped in British tennis history. Following a practice session with Amanda Anisimova, Raducanu took to the microphone to share her feelings about returning to the grass courts.
“It’s so nice to be back on the grass, I love this tournament had a great experience last year,” Raducanu stated. “I was just pleased to be able to hit on it and play this week. I remember watching the tournament when I was young, I came with my dad, it’s very nostalgic coming back and playing it myself. I remember how many times I watched Andy [Murray] win here so it’s really nice to be able to have a tournament for the girls too.”
Queen’s Club, a highlight of the short grass-court season, clearly holds a special place in Raducanu’s heart. She is set to compete in the doubles competition this week alongside compatriot Katie Boulter, a partnership affectionately nicknamed ‘Boultercanu’ by fans last year.
A Plea for Positive Energy
Raducanu’s career has seen meteoric highs since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows, but she has also experienced the intense scrutiny that comes with British sporting fame. When asked about the type of crowd support she prefers, Raducanu emphasized the positive impact of enthusiastic fans.
“Of course we love the support, it gets us going, it’s an amazing feeling to be part of and to be playing on home soil, it’s nice. I really hope that you can support us in the next few weeks,” she urged.
The sentiment was met with a strong, positive reaction from the attendees, who roared their approval for the young champion. Raducanu will undoubtedly be hoping for this wave of support to carry her through the upcoming tournaments.
