Emma Raducanu’s US Open trophy replica to be paraded to inspire kids

Emma Raducanu’s replica US Open trophy will be paraded across the UK this year in a bid to inspire more young people to take up tennis. 

The 19-year-old became the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam last year, after she stormed to victory at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set. 

Raducanu is the first British woman to win a major singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977 and is currently ranked number 12 in the world. 

In an attempt to celebrate this historic achievement, the LTA has now confirmed that a replica of her US Open trophy will be made available for public show around the UK. 

The LTA are keen to show off the silverware in an attempt to persuade youngsters to take up the game. 

Chief executive Scott Lloyd said: “We have been talking to Wimbledon as well about how that can get some profile during the Championships.”

Raducanu is yet to confirm her summer schedule but is likely to compete at Wimbledon as well as other grass court events in the build-up to the third major of the season. 

Unfortunately, Raducanu has not been able to carry her inspired form in New York over to this season. 

The Brit has been plagued with injuries and has won just three matches so far in 2022. 

Raducanu led the Great Britain team against the Czech Republic in the Billie Jean King Cup at the weekend and won her first match against Tereza Martincova in straight sets. 

However, foot blisters hampered her second match against Marketa Vondrousova as she lost 6-1 6-1. 

There have been questions raised over the 19-year-old’s ability to cope with the physical demands of the tour but it appears the US Open champion is trying her best to fight through the pain. 

Prior to the start of the Billie Jean King Cup, Raducanu revealed her