Maria Sharapova gave some advice to Emma Raducanu, and urged her to enjoy her life as much as she could.
Raducanu set the world on fire and announced herself in fine style by winning the US Open. It was a landmark triumph for the young ace, who made a statement with that victory.
However, a youngster suddenly shooting towards the top is all about building on from it. Do it well, and they can be the best in the business. Get it wrong, and they will remain a one-hit wonder.
Many warned the new kid on the block to avoid distractions and focus on the sport. However, Sharapova gave some advice to Raducanu, and told her to do what she loved.
“You learn through it,” the five-time Slam champion and former world number 1 said, as quoted by tennishead.
“When (you’re young) and you succeed and become a champion, there are certainly going to be opportunities off court that come your way.
“Emma is an incredible athlete, what she has achieved at such a young age is very rare in the sports world and she has to enjoy every single moment of it.”
Similar paths
Since her US Open victory, the Englishwoman has been contacted by Vogue, Dior and Tiffany for endorsements. She has signed lucrative deals with the latter two as well.
The career paths of Raducanu and Sharapova at the former’s age seem to be very similar. Like her British counterpart, Sharapova reached the summit of tennis as a teenager.
The 2004 Wimbledon winner gave her thoughts on being in the spotlight at a early age.
“From my own experience at a young age, winning Wimbledon came so unexpectedly I never thought that I was physically ready to win seven matches in a 14-day period,” Sharapova continued.
“When that happens, it’s incredibly overwhelming, you still can’t quite believe it.
“Emma and her family will cherish that beautiful feeling forever, because it is all so exciting. You’re thinking, did that really just happen?” she concluded.
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