After winning the US Open this year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth sent Emma Raducanu a personal message:-
“I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships,” read the letter from Her Majesty.
“It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age,and is testament to your hard work and dedication. I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”
According to rumours in the British Media, another message may be on it’s way to 19 yr old Emma from Buckingham Palace in the form of an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours list.
If the leak to the rumour mill is true, she will become the youngest ever recipient of the award.
Successful British Tennis stars are regular, if occasional recipients of Royal awards.
Tim Henman received the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to tennis, while Andy Murray was knighted in 2016 after he won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.
French Open champion Sue Barker received the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the Queens Birthday Honours in 2021, and 1977 Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade was awarded an OBE in 1986.
Emma Raducanu has had an outstanding 2021.
She exploded onto the British Tennis stage by reaching the 4th round at Wimbledon in July starting as a qualifier in her fist ever major tournament let alone a Grand Slam.
Unbelievably the teenager trumped this by winning the US Open in September, again starting as a qualifier, putting her firmly on the world stage.
That was followed by her winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and she looks be in line for yet another success by being made an MBE.
Main photo:- Emma Raducanu poses with trophy after winning US Open by Rhea Nall / USTA
