Emma Radocano won’t let fame “hamper” her potential – because she admits she hasn’t yet read all her phone messages | UK news

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Emma Radocano told Sky News that she would not allow her newfound fame to get in the way of realizing her potential – as she admitted that she had not yet read all the messages on her phone.

Although she catapulted to stardom and predictions that she could make a fortune, she told Sky’s Jackie Beltrau that improving tennis remains paramount.

The 18-year-old said that “maximizing my potential” is vital and that she “will not let any obligations stand in the way of that because it is my top priority”.

“Despite winning the US Open, I feel there are many aspects of my game that could improve,” she added.

On Saturday, Radocano became the first British woman to win a major title in 44 years, and the first woman qualifier ever to win a major.

The teen, who was only playing her second slam, said her dream of running at Flushing Meadows still seemed a bit surreal.

“It’s funny because sometimes I have random bursts where I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I just won the US Open!’ … It’s a strange feeling to understand, but watching the match last night helped her.”

She told Sky News she was more nervous watching her win than playing it.

Raducanu said: “I really wanted to let the moment sink in and I think that would help…

“But watching is definitely more stressful than playing because you feel like you’re in control at least while playing.

“When you watch you don’t have any control, but it was really cool to be able to relive some of those moments. Finally I saw my slip when I fell and that was really long, and I liked myself that in slow motion.”

Photo: The 18-year-old made history at the US Open, as he passed the playoffs to win

But she revealed that some things haven’t changed after her historic win, joking: “I can’t even get on court at the local club!”

And though she came out alongside first-list listeners at the Met Gala in New York, she said the highlight was a small celebration with her team on the night of her victory.

“There was a karaoke bus on the way back from the stadium and we were singing Sweet Caroline and Mr. Brightside,” the teen said.

“We just had a great meal together and discussed everything, and chatted the whole time.”

Photo: Raducanu walked the red carpet alongside the A-stars at the Met Gala. Pic: AP

Raducanu’s achievement has earned her a slew of new fans, including stars like Lewis Hamilton – seven-time Formula 1 champion – and it’s a sport she loves.

She interviewed Hamilton at the Met Gala and said it was “really great talking to him after all he’s achieved, he’s such a great inspiration”.

He told Sky News: “In Formula One I love watching all the Brits – Lando and George too. They’re really cool because they’re flying the flag of Great Britain high.”

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In full: Emma Radokano interview

With messages of congratulations from the likes of the Queen, Raducanu also admitted that she didn’t have time to read all of her phone messages.

“Over the next few days, I hope to get over it, and I’m sorry if I haven’t responded yet,” she said.

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11-year-old Emma Raducano is dreaming of the US Open

After her thrilling victory, she said that her parents – Romanian father Ian and Chinese mother Rene – embraced her despite their ruthless love approach.

“They hugged me, nothing crazy. They have very high standards and a tough love, but I guess I didn’t really need anything big of them,” she said.

“I know a little congratulation means a lot and to say they’re proud of me too, but they were so happy to be back home.”

She said she was glad to be back in bed, and that she had finally tasted her mother’s homemade pancakes again, something she had been “craving.”

About the next step, the tennis star said rest is on her immediate to-do list.

“When I got home yesterday, I slept all day, so I’m just starting to recover and rest and I think my body needs it after the past seven or eight weeks.”

Photo: Emma Raducano, 18, with her father. Pic: The Sun / Ray Collins

Raducanu said she now wants to “inspire little girls or little kids to dream big,” no matter what their dreams are.

“Even if it’s not tennis, even being a doctor, I just want to inspire them to dream big and anything can happen,” said Radocano.

“I just want to convey the message that you can be a normal kid and go to school and do normal things and still get results and I think that’s my main message to all kids.”

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