Emma Raducanu: I’d love to meet Luke Littler – nothing prepares you for spotlight at young age | Tennis News happymamay

Emma Raducano said she would love to meet and talk to darts star Luke Littler about his achievements so far, adding that “nothing prepares” young athletes for the spotlight coming their way.

Speaking to the media ahead of her Australian Open first-round clash against Katerina Alexandrova on Tuesday, the 22-year-old Raducanu admitted she would be keen to get hold of the key to Littler’s success, as she seeks to return to the type she was. I watched her win the 2021 US Open at 18 years old.

Still just 17 years old, Littler became the youngest World Darts Championship winner in history earlier this month, convincingly beating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final.

“Amazing respect for him,” Raducano said. “Big time [interested in meeting Littler]. I would like to meet top athletes and individuals who have succeeded in their fields.

“I think darts is such a precise sport that I would be very excited and interested to hear what he has to say about it, and [how to] Stay focused, because you can be very close but not necessarily make the final shot. In that sense, it’s quite similar to tennis.”

Since Raducanu’s stunning Grand Slam success, she has struggled greatly with injury, form and the spotlight, and revealed her advice to Littler regarding the huge amount of attention they have both received.

The current British Premier League second-placed added that there is a particular focus on social media comments, which Raducano says young stars must “desensitize” themselves to, in order to move forward productively.

“There’s not a lot that prepares you for this. You feel like you’re always on edge because you’re being followed [by photographers] Or something like that, Raducano said.

“But I think the biggest part is the judgment and feedback about every decision you make.

“This was really hard for me to deal with, trying to desensitize myself and understand that it comes with the zone you’re in.

“But I think trying to get away from that and continue on my path has probably been the biggest adjustment for me.”

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