Emma Raducanu praised Lewis Hamilton for his advice, saying that he has been a massive help in her life.
US Open champion Raducanu played for the first time in her home country since her amazing victory at Flushing Meadows in September.
Having completed the preparation for her first full season on the Tour, Raducanu is ready to make a statement again. The teenager, who turned 19 earlier this month, will begin the season in earnest in Australia.
The British player has crossed paths with another fellow English champion, and a seven-time one at that. She is good friends with Hamilton, and the pair have interacted on multiple occasions.
Raducanu praised Hamilton for his advice, and hailed him for giving her a whole new perspective on life.
“He has been such a good role model for me, in terms of just helping me through these next stages. He is a really cool person,” she told Sky Sports.
“He’s just been really cool in helping me. He said be patient, ride the wave, good reassurance. He’s a really cool guy.”
Challenge accepted
Raducanu is set to begin the season in good spirits. The British Number 1 has the world watching her after her history-making performances recently. ‘
There were talks of her not being ready for the biggest stage, and that her statement victory was a one-off. Raducanu responded to those talks, and said that she thrives under pressure.
Quoting a famous line from tennis legend Billie Jean King’s book, she said, “I am not sure of other people’s opinions of me.
“It’s going to happen, pressure is a privilege. I thrive under the adrenaline, I hope.
“So for me, I don’t really think about other people’s opinions or expectations. The only ones I have are that of myself, to improve and get better.”
Read more: Surer reveals reason for Ricciardo’s resurgence – “He has now understood how to brake”