‘PAL EMMA IS INSPIRATION’
EMMA RADUCANU has not changed at all after becoming an instant superstar – but she has transformed British tennis.
That’s the view of her pal and fellow Brit sensation Paul Jubb.
Teenage US Open champion Raducanu’s huge popularity was underlined when she was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
But Jubb said Raducanu, 19, is still the same grounded person who came through the ranks at the LTA before hitting the big time.
“Since I have been back full-time at the National Tennis Centre, we’ve been around each other a lot more and we’re good friends,” said Hull ace Jubb (below).
“We always have a good laugh and good banter off-court in between sessions and in the players’ lounge. She’s a great girl with a nice personality.
“I’d like to think she is still the same person now. I messaged her my congratulations when she won in New York and she is still humble enough to reply. I definitely feel like she is the same.”
Jubb, now 22, got a taste of being the centre of media attention when he was given a Wimbledon wildcard back in 2019
“For Emma to win a Major title is probably as big as it can get,” he said. “I can’t imagine how tough it is. The change to her life is massive.
“Now everyone globally knows her name and I guess she cannot even walk freely down the street. It would be such a tough thing to get used to, but I’m sure she will get used to it.
“I think she’s doing OK and, hopefully, she’ll be winning more matches on the WTA circuit – we’ve all seen her potential and how well she can play.”
Jubb watched Raducanu’s Flushing Meadow triumph from his hotel room in Portugal, before winning two ITF events.
“Of course, she is an inspiration,” he said. “It just shows what can happen when you go out there with no fear.
“She was ruthless in taking her opponents down in straight sets.
“If you go in with that mindset and back yourself with confidence, anything’s possible.
“Cam Norrie was the same in October when he became the first British player to win the Indian Wells Masters – he looked confident and just went about his business.
“If you’re putting in the work, day in and day out, your time will come.
“All it takes is that one week where you put things together at a big tournament. Emma and Cam have earned their breakthroughs.”
Jubb was forced out of Wimbledon this year through injury, but is finishing 2021 as world No.347 – his highest-ever ranking.
Raducanu started 2021 ranked No.343.
Jubb added: “You’ve got to keep working to be ready for when your opportunity comes.”