Raducanu Praises ‘Role Model’ Murray

WTA star Emma Raducanu is riding high following a memorable and historic past six months.

The 19-year-old became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title when she triumphed at the US Open in September, which saw her finish the 2021 season in the Top 20 of the WTA Rankings.

The Brit then earned her maiden win at an WTA 1000 event on Friday when she defeated Caroline Garcia at the BNP Paribas Open.

Ahead of her third-round match in Indian Wells on Sunday, Raducanu praised the inspirational role former Would No. 1 and fellow Brit Andy Murray has played in her development.

“He has been supportive for sure,” Raducanu said. “I know one time when I was just practising, I managed to hit with him. I was so nervous. I was moving my feet so fast just to try and keep up.

“I think he’s just such a great role model for me and everyone, from the UK, and also across the world. 700 wins is something I can just dream of. I think I’ve won three now, so I have a long way to go.”

Raducanu beat Garcia in three sets Friday, while former World No. 1 Murray became just the fourth active ATP player to earn 700 tour-level wins when he overcame Taro Daniel.

Raducanu followed Murray onto court on Stadium 1 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, allowing her to keep an eye on the 46-time tour-level titlist in action as he made more history.

“I think Andy is such a class player,” Raducanu said. “The way he can put the ball in places that you just don’t want. I think that’s a great skill to have.

“I definitely looked up to him today [Friday] especially because I was following him. I knew he came through some tricky moments. I was thinking the same when I dropped the second set. I was like, ‘You can do the same, just keep pushing’.”

In a stacked order of play on Sunday, Raducanu and Murray will face Petra Martic and Alexander Bublik respectively. Raducanu will be aiming to reach the fourth round at a WTA 1000 event for the first time, while Murray will look to continue to build momentum at a tournament he reached the final at in 2009.