Local celebs

Emma Raducanu!

How proud are we that Emma Raducanu, Britain's first female Grand Slam winner since 1977 and the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open last year, is from our wonderful borough?

With the assistance of the LTA, the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, we caught up with Emma for five minutes to discover what she likes getting up to when she’s not on the tennis court…

As you tour so much while playing tennis, what would you say are your top travel essentials?

Not many " people know that I speak Mandarin

A disposable camera to help me reflect on memories of the trip and a lacrosse ball that I use for physiotherapy on my upper body as it helps ease any aches and pains. I would also say dark chocolate and peanut butter which is an absolute must - I take it everywhere! And finally, energetic music with good beats. as well if they watch me. Tennis is an unbelievable sport, it gives you so many opportunities and is so fun and it would be great for more kids to pick up a racket and try it. LTA Youth courses are a perfect way for everyone to get started.

Who would you say is your idol?

It would have to be Michael Jordan.

And any favourite artists?

Yes! Jean-Michel Basquiat and Alec Monopoly.

If you hadn’t become a tennis player, what do you think you would have become?

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Binge-watching Taiwanese shows on Netflix. I also enjoy following F1 and never miss the highlights.

Any hidden talents?

Not many people know that I speak Mandarin.

Oh interesting! So, following on from this, what’s your favourite food?

I really like Lam yong, Korean food, especially Korean barbecue food.

You recently revisited your primary school in Bickley. What was it like being back there?

I had the best memories of this school at Sports Day. Being back there did make me want to do more because seeing their inspired and excited faces when I walked in, spurred me on. I can’t let them down and want to keep pushing on in my own career, and hopefully they can get into tennis Probably a lawyer as I like arguing back a lot and talking back a little bit!

Finally, who would your dream doubles partner be?

Andy Murray! One of my favourite sporting moments was hitting a lob winner against Andy Murray in a mixed doubles game.

Did you know… the LTA recently launched LTA Youth, a new and innovative junior programme aimed at kids aged four-18 created to help more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis, whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background. Emma has been – and still is – a huge inspiration to the next generation of tennis players and is an LTA Youth Ambassador. Inspired by Emma? To book a place on the course or find out more information on how to get started in tennis visit

lta.org.uk/youth-programme/