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Emma Raducanu recently spent some time with her young fan, who was allegedly snubbed by her the previous day at the 2024 US Open. The Brit promptly issued an apology and asked her fans to track down the little girl in hopes of making it up to her.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is in New York for the final Grand Slam of the year. On Thursday, August 22, the 21-year-old practiced at Grandstand, with several fans flocking to the stadium to watch her in action.
According to a fan who was in attendance, a young girl who was interviewed during the session called Emma Raducanu her favorite player. The Brit, though, failed to acknowledge the young fan. According to the spectator, she abruptly left the stadium without giving autographs or waiting for her interview.
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Emma Raducanu issued an apology when the incident came to light. She also asked fans for their help in identifying the girl.
"To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favourite player at this mornings practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile,” she said on X.
"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," she added.
On Friday, August 23, after a prompt search from fans, Emma Raducanu was able to meet up with the young girl. The duo enjoyed a playful hit on the court, following which Raducanu gave her an autograph and posed for a picture.
"Found Remy. Thank you for coming back today, it was so nice meeting you at practice today & hitting a few balls (she didn’t miss)," Raducanu wrote on Instagram.
Emma Raducanu to begin US Open 2024 campaign against a fellow former Grand Slam champion
Emma Raducanu is gearing up for her third US Open main-draw appearance. She made a historic debut in 2021, clinching the title as a qualifier. Notably, she did not lose a single set during the 10-match campaign. However, she hasn't been successful in her recent Grand Slam appearances.
At the 2022 US Open, she was knocked out in the first round. Meanwhile, she missed the 2023 event while recovering from three surgeries. It is safe to say, though, that since her return to competition in January, Raducanu has gradually built up on her form. Last month, she replicated her best run at Wimbledon by reaching the fourth round. Subsequently, the youngster re-entered the world’s top 100.
Currently ranked No. 71, Raducanu would hope to make her mark at the 2024 US Open and climb further in the rankings. She will, however, have her work cut out, having drawn a tough opponent, 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, in her first-round match.
