“The night she won the U.S. Open, I couldn’t watch because my heart couldn’t take it” says Emma Raducanu’s grandmother Niculina Raducanu

“The night she won the U.S. Open, I couldn’t watch because my heart couldn’t take it” says Emma Raducanu’s grandmother Niculina Raducanu

Emma Raducanu and her grandmother Niculina Raducanu

18-year old Emma Raducanu has become a global star after her sensational victory at the 2021 US Open where she became the first player in the history of tennis to win a Grand Slam title starting as a qualifier. Emma won the 3 rounds of qualifying and 7 matches of the main-draw without dropping a single set as she ended Britain’s wait of 44 years for a woman Grand Slam winner.

With all this success, the teenager will be followed closely as despite being a Grand Slam winner in just her 2nd Grand Slam tournament, she is yet to win a WTA tour match. Emma burst onto the scene at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships where she became the youngest British woman to reach the 4th round and was the only British player left in the main-draw in both Men’s and Women’s Singles.

Playing her 4th round match on the Center Court, during the 2nd set, Emma started feeling dizzy and found difficulty in breathing which forced her to forfeit the match upon the advice of the medical team. “I asked her parents if she should quit tennis, because what if something should happen to Emma? Her health is more important,” said Emma’s 88-year old grandmother Niculina who hoped Emma quit tennis.

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“I don’t tell anyone I’m the grandmother of a Grand Slam champion” says the modest grandmother of Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu

Emma along with her parents was confident that Emma is made for the big stage and continued with tennis and within 2 months of her Wimbledon match, Emma is now a Grand Slam champion, an achievement her grandmother is very proud of.

“The night she won the U.S. Open, I couldn’t watch because my heart couldn’t take it. I said to myself: ‘This match is going to be a really tough one,’ so I decided not to watch it. I only found out the news the next day, and I was delighted she was strong and healthy, and that her mind was healthy also — especially after what happened the last time at Wimbledon.

‘When I talked to my son Ian, I was happy for him. He would have been so disappointed if she’d have lost after all the work and resources they’d put into this. Of course, I’m very proud of her. But I’ve never told anyone I’m the grandmother of a Grand Slam champion. I am a very modest woman, and I don’t want people to think I’m bragging.

“When Emma puts her mind to it, she will get it. She was always a fighter. I always taught her how to be kind, polite and nice to people. I told her not to harm anyone, and speak nicely to everyone. That’s what I think she got from me,” added Emma’s ‘Mamiya’ Niculina.

With not only her grandmother but the entire tennis fraternity especially the people of Britain proud of her achievement, everyone will hope she gets all the success in the world.

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Also Read: WATCH: Emma Raducanu’s historic title at the US Open 2021 explained using card tricks