Emma Raducanu reveals message she received about Luke Littler ahead of Australian Open

Emma Raducanu reveals message she received about Luke Littler ahead of Australian Open

WATCH NOW: Luke Littler discusses his exploits at the World Darts Championship

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 12/01/2024

- 14:23

The tennis star will be hoping to win the competition Down Under

Emma Raducanu has revealed she received a text message from a friend about Luke Littler - and has told the darts star to 'keep his circle close'.

Littler has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence after recently making the final of the World Darts Championship.


The 16-year-old saw off the likes of Rob Cross and Raymond van Barneveld on his way to the final, where he eventually lost to Luke Humphries.

Raducanu knows all about the pressure of fame at a young age.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu has opened up on Luke Littler at the Australian Open

GETTY

The 21-year-old soared into the spotlight when she won the US Open back in 2021.

And Raducanu, speaking as she looks to win the Australian Open, has now revealed a text message she received from a friend about Littler.

She said: "My friend just sent me a picture of the boy who was like 16, who made the final.

"She was like, 'I can't believe this guy's only 16 years old'.

"I would just say, 'Keep your circle close, take time to actually enjoy it all, and don't rush into the next thing straightaway'."

Raducanu is now working with Nick Cavaday again.

The pair worked together when the tennis sensation was just starting out - and was a key ally in her camp as she conquered Flushing Meadows two-and-a-half years ago.

Raducanu's habit of chopping and changing coaches has raised eyebrows.

And the Briton hasn't committed to working with Cavaday long term, insisting they were 'taking it how it goes'.

“We’re just taking it how it goes," she said.

"It’s been working really well so far.

“I, of course, hope to continue with him because I feel very comfortable with him.

"I know his sister really well because, like, everyone is from Bromley.”

Raducanu has also endured injury issues over the past few years, something that has restricted her time on the court in the process.

And the youngster says she's feeling better than she has done in ages.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Luke Littler

Emma Raducanu has sent Luke Littler advice at the Australian Open

GETTY

“I feel a lot lighter now than I did for a long time after US Open," she said.

“I feel like I’m not playing with a backpack of rocks. I feel pretty light and happy.

“Reflecting on the past, I think people are very important.

“I think surrounding yourself with competent and knowledgeable people is of course really important.

"But also the type of person and their character is big-time, just making sure we really get on and intentions are really good.”

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu is hoping to win the Australian Open this year

GETTY

As for Littler, the darts star is set to make his Premier League debut later in the month.

Whether he can continue his sensational rise remains to be seen.

You may like