Emma
Raducanu reunites with young fan on the court after snubbing her at the US
Open. The former world No. 10 received criticism on social media after a young
fan, interviewed at the event, mentioned that Raducanu was her favorite player.
However, after the Brit's training session, the young fan was unable to meet
her.
According
to a user who was present, the 2023
US Open champion finished her training
session, didn’t stop to take photos or sign autographs, and abruptly left the
stadium.
Raducanu’s
Apology
After the incident surfaced on social media, Raducanu apologized on X
(formerly Twitter) and asked fans for help in finding the girl so she could
meet her: "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,” she wrote.
"I’m
very sorry I had to rush off after practice and couldn’t see you near the
court, but please forgive me. I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a
signed something or photo," she added.
Fans
quickly identified the girl and informed Raducanu that she would be attending
Flushing Meadows again on Friday, August 23rd. The Brit took the time to meet
the girl, pose for a photo, and even invited her to play a few moments on the
court.
"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.
Raducanu
returns to the US Open after missing the tournament in 2023 and will be seeking
her first win since capturing the title in 2021. She faced a first-round defeat
in 2022. The world No. 71 will have a tough debut against former Australian
Open champion and local favorite Sofia Kenin (No. 55).