Emma Raducanu Reveals Idolizing Simona Halep and Li Na

Emma Raducanu’s performance at the US Open impressed everyone. The 18-year-old British prodigy accomplished the unfathomable by cruising to her first Grand Slam title straight from qualifying. Simona Halep, the two time Grand Slam champion, is another admirer of Emma and sent her direct wishes to the youngster.

Simona Halep believes that Emma Raducanu has achieved something extraordinary at Flushing Meadows. However, the former world number one herself couldn’t go past Elina Svitolina in the round of 16 of US Open 2021. Svitolina dominated over the Romanian and won handsomely in straight sets.

Simona Halep congratulates British Sensation Emma Raducanu

Simona Halep lauded Emma Raducanu and congratulated the 18-year-old on Twitter. She tweeted “Extraordinary” and tagged the British star. Raducanu showed amazing fortitude on her way to the crown, winning all of her matches in straight sets. The British athlete began the contest with a global ranking of 150. Her world ranking climbed to number 23 after she won the championship at Flushing Meadows.

Raducanu considers Halep as her role model

In an interview with CGTN Sports Scene, Emma Raducanu revealed she also received a direct message from the Romanian after her US Open victory. Moreover, Raducanu stated,” She’s one of my role models that I’ve watched growing up. I love the way she plays and her athleticism.” She believes Simona Halep has achieved so many great things in her life and she’s truly an inspiration for her.

Emma appreciated Halep’s mental toughness as well as her physical conditioning. Raducanu stated that this is something she aspires to achieve as well. Emma, herself, demonstrated incredible composure on the court during her dream run and maintained her cool in high-pressure situations.

Besides Halep, the Brit also idolizes the former Chinese tennis prodigy Li Na. She admitted, “always wanted to play like Li Na”. Emma finds Li Na’s forehands strokes really powerful. She was quite athletic in a more aggressive style, and she went for everything. Li Na holds two grand slam titles, French Open (2011) and Australian Open (2014). She announced her retirement from professional tennis in September 2014.

Raducanu is already on her way to emulating her idols and has a long future ahead of her to keep doing so.

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