Emma Raducanu, the 18-year-old British tennis sensation who won the US Open on Saturday, has been thrust into the global spotlight. Since her historic victory, she has moved from the InterContinental hotel, which hosted her for free during the tournament, to the luxurious Peninsula on New York's Fifth Avenue. The teenager from Bromley has seen her Instagram followers skyrocket from 2,000 in June to 1.6 million.
On Monday, Raducanu embarked on a media blitz, appearing live on two breakfast shows within an hour. She was interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America, where hosts Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie praised her, with Melvin saying, 'She's delightful,' and Guthrie adding, 'A star is born.' The day was set to culminate with an appearance at the Met Gala, a fashion event chaired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Raducanu's US Open win earned her £1.8 million in prize money. She was seen wearing a £22 men's Nike T-shirt and later changed into designer clothes, including a £300 pair of jeans from Mother and a £228 cashmere cardigan and top set from Reformation. She accessorised with an £11,000 Tiffany necklace and £4,500 earrings, suggesting a possible ambassadorial deal with the jewellery brand.
Reflecting on her victory, Raducanu said she spent Sunday night with her team, including coach Andrew Richardson, agent Chris Helliar, and physio Will Herbert, discussing the win. Tim Henman was also present. 'We had a really nice night... we all spent the night just reflecting,' she said. 'It was a really cool moment because it's been such a long trip for us.'
