Emma Raducanu invited a young child into her practice session during a heartwarming moment ahead of this week’s US Open.
Raducanu is back in New York City for the tournament, which gets underway on Monday afternoon.
But the former winner had an unusual build-up for the final Slam of the year, as she practised on-court with a little kid.
The superfan had made her love known to the British ace during a previous practice session, but was denied the chance to meet her hero after Raducanu had to jet off following training.
Taking to X to explain the situation, Raducanu said: “To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favourite player at this morning’s practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile.
“I’m very sorry I had to rush off after practice and I couldn’t see you near the court but please forgive me and I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a signed something or photo.”
Before sending out a plea asking social media to help reunite her with the girl.
No sooner had the request been sent out had the pair been reunited, with Radacunu even sharing a few rallies with the youngster at Flushing Meadows.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the uplifting encounter, Raducanu said: “Yesterday I was practising on Grand Stand and mid-practice there were some interviews in the stand and I heart a young girls’ voice going ‘Emma Raducanu’.
“And I was like that literally made my heart smile, it warmed me, it touched me because after the practice I had to rush off the court and I felt so bad because I usually love spending time with fans. So I’m really happy that I could connect.”
On the pair’s mini session, Raducanu added: “She plays very well… didn’t miss one ball in the net, she must’ve hit like 60. High praise.”
The interview concluded with Raducanu signing a tennis ball for the young supporter, who was left with a gigantic smile on her face.
Raducanu will be hoping the meeting brings about some on-court luck, with the 2021 US Open winner getting her campaign started against Sofia Kenin tomorrow night.
The 21-year-old enters the competition in strong form, having reached the fourth round of Wimbledon last month – her best Grand Slam performance since winning the US Open three years ago.
