EMMA: VOTE FOR LEWIS!

SPOTY favourite Raducanu says Hamilton will get her vote for being her role model

EMMA RADUCANU revealed yesterday she is being mentored by Lewis Hamilton as she urged fans to vote for the Formula One star as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The US Open champion is the hot favourite to win the award after her stunning victory in New York in September. But after making a winning return to the UK in an exhibition match at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday, the Bromley teenager said: “I am rooting for Lewis (above).

“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, cool guy.

“I met him in person at the Met Gala and we had a very good conversation there.

“He said: ‘Be patient. you have just got to ride the wave. It’s all good, don’t worry.’ It was good reassurance for me.

“And since then I’ve just been looking up to him, following him, supporting him. And as for me winning the award, I don’t even think about it.

“I just don’t understand how it could even be a possibility!”

Raducanu will not be in Salford on December 19 for the glamorous awards ceremony because she will be training in the Gulf. After a six-day break in the Caribbean, the British No.1 (above) has already started her pre-season and will play another exhibition in Abu Dhabi next month with new coach Torben Beltz.

She will then spend Christmas in Dubai on her way to the Australian Open. “I will play in Abu Dhabi and then continue training out there,” said the world No.19. “I knew that by playing tennis, I’d spend birthdays, Christmases and New Years not at home but it doesn’t matter.

“I’m there to train, I’m there to get better. And then I’m flying to Australia.

“What’s best for me is staying in the Middle East rather than flying seven hours back and forth.

“So I feel it’s not a sacrifice and hopefully my Mum or Dad can come out, and maybe one of my grandmothers.”

Raducanu yesterday beat world No.85 Elena-gabriela Ruse 6-3 7-6 in a very friendly match which saw two ball-people play points – and also one marriage proposal to the US Open champion.

“It was amazing to play at home in front of everyone here,” she said.