Emma Raducanu became a popular figure in the UK after her Wimbledon run but she became the darling of the nation a couple of months later when she lifted the US Open trophy.
The achievement of Raducanu at the US Open has been talked about everywhere for over a month now and while films and books are being developed and written it became clear that the achievement is a significant one in many ways. Not only did it create interest in tennis in a country that has seen it drop over the past decades it also inspired the UK government to look at tennis in a more favourable light.
It was announced that new funds would be allocated towards tennis and the promotion of tennis in the country amounting to a total of 22 million GBP. The money will be used to renovate and improve derelict park tennis courts and increase accessibility for all who have been inspired by Raducanu’s success. The move, together with an investment from the LTA of £8.5m, will see thousands of public park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of their local community.
The LTA released a statement reading:
"Fantastic news that the Government has announced it will invest £22million into public tennis courts. Alongside our investment of £8.5million, it will transform public courts across Britain."
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson added:
"Emma Raducanu has shown that by combining hard work, skill and determination, there is no limit to what young people can achieve.
We’re introducing new funding for tennis facilities and improving school sports facilities as part of our plan to level up across the UK."