Should teenage tennis star Emma get a gong?

THERE have been calls for surprise U.S. Open ladies champion Emma Raducanu to be honoured in the New Year’s Honours list (Mail). While this is a great achievement, she hasn’t fought in a war, saved someone’s life or created hundreds of jobs. If honours are handed out like Smarties they will cease to have any real value.

COLIN HIBBERD, Leasingham, Lincs.

I HAVE been inspired by the teenage Emma Raducanu to join a tennis club. It’s not just her athleticism that is so admirable, but also her goodnatured and humble reaction to her win. Awarding her the OBE would be a sign we value young people who work hard to achieve their dreams.

S. MARKHAM, Horsham, W. Sussex.

EMMA RADUCANU’S reward is a glittering future, more trophies and riches beyond which most people can ever dream. Why does she also deserve an OBE? Such awards should only be given for genuine service, not for doing well in a chosen career. Yes, she cheered up the nation by excelling in a sport we are not generally that good at, but why does that mean she should get such exalted recognition?

L. FIRTH, Skipton, N. Yorks.

CONGRATULATIONS to Emma on her remarkable achievement. However, the awarding of an OBE to one so young seems premature. It would be more fitting for her to realise her potential and get a few more tournament wins under her belt before she gets a gong.

DON BIDDLE, Codsall, Staffs.

A GONG should only be given for a lifetime of public service or an act of heroism.

REG CLEMENTS, Colchester, Essex.

IF EMMA continues to win tournaments, works with the Lawn Tennis Association to promote the sport and uses her celebrity to encourage youngsters and local authorities to provide better public sports facilities, then she should be awarded an honour.

R. BRYAN, Morpeth, Northumberland.

IF EMMA deserves a gong, what about Joe Salisbury for his superb doubles double at the U.S. Open?

JOHN McBAIN, Witney, Oxon.