Three years ago, Emma Raducanu's childhood dream came true when she won the US Open women's singles title. But during US Open Fan Week this year, the Brit helped the next generation realize theirs.
With player practices a star attraction during US Open Fan Week, Raducanu was among those who drew a crowd on Thursday. But one young fan's voice rose above the rest, as a girl shouted out that the Brit was her favorite player in an around-the-grounds interview.
Though Raducanu heard the support for the fan from the crowd, she was unable to meet with the child directly before leaving the court. But she later took to social media in an attempt to rectify the situation.
"To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favorite player at this morning's practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile," Raducanu wrote on social media late Thursday. "I'm very sorry I had to rush off after practice but please forgive me and I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a signed something or photo."
Raducanu, who three years ago became the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam singles title, then implored X, formerly Twitter, to "do its thing" and help her find the youngster. The US Open's official social media channels chimed in too.
On Saturday, fittingly the US Open's annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the pair were reunited, and Raducanu gave the girl, named Remy, an experience she'll likely never forget.
Raducanu hopped on court with Remy to hit a few balls, took a photo with her, and signed an autograph. Sharing the picture to her Instagram account, the former Top 10 player was quick to tell fans that the girl impressively "didn't miss."
And Raducanu, too, is happy not to miss this year's Open after being forced to sit out the tournament last year with injury.
The 21-year-old had surgery on both wrists and an ankle last year, and was sidelined for more than six months in all before returning this January. A fourth-round effort at the last Grand Slam tournament, her home event Wimbledon, helped push Raducanu back inside the Top 100 in the WTA rankings ahead of her New York return. She enters the Flushing fortnight ranked No. 72.
She is seeking to win a match at the US Open for the first time since she hoisted the trophy in 2021, and will face fellow major-winner Sofia Kenin in a star-studded Round 1 match on Tuesday.
