Emma Raducanu recently had the opportunity to meet Harry Kane, the captain of England’s national football team. The encounter took place ahead of Raducanu’s preparations for the 2023 tennis season. While Raducanu has faced challenges since her triumph at the US Open in 2021, she expressed admiration for Kane during an interview with The Guardian.
Raducanu described her meeting with Kane as “really cool,” acknowledging the limited time they spent together but highlighting the impact he has had on her. She noted, “Harry’s obviously such a great role model and very professional, and I think to be able to speak to him is really cool. For someone of his achievements, it’s pretty remarkable how he’s so humble. I respect him a lot.”
The young tennis star emphasized the value of connecting with other athletes, saying, “It’s obviously really cool to speak to some other athletes. I think it’s good because we all kind of understand what each other are thinking and going through at times. And at the end of the day, they’re just really cool people as well.”
Raducanu’s Interest in Football
Raducanu’s sporting interests extend beyond tennis. She has a history of involvement in motorsport and has shown a growing interest in football, particularly in Tottenham Hotspur. At the 2022 Stuttgart Open, she was spotted practicing in a Tottenham shirt, revealing her connection with the team.
When questioned about her football affiliations, Raducanu shared that many members of her team are avid Tottenham supporters. “My whole team basically are big Spurs fans and I feel like they’re egging me on,” she said. “I don’t necessarily follow football so much, but I feel like now because of them I’m feeling some sort of connection.”
She also expressed her enjoyment of following the UEFA Euro 2020, where she admired Kane’s leadership as England’s captain and also expressed her fondness for fellow player Heung-min Son. “I loved following the Euros last year and watching Harry Kane, who’s obviously the England captain, and [Heung-min] Son, I’m a big fan of him as well. So yeah, I like to dabble,” she remarked.
Raducanu’s comments come at a time of transition for Tottenham, as both Kane and Son have moved to different clubs since her remarks. This shift in the team’s lineup highlights the unpredictable nature of sports, which can impact fan engagement and support.
As she continues her career, Raducanu seems poised to draw inspiration from figures like Kane, blending her passion for tennis with a newfound interest in football. The mutual respect between these athletes showcases the camaraderie that exists across sports, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and shared experiences among elite competitors.
