Sweet bread and cherry liqueur – how Emma Raducanu will celebrate her arrival in the UK at the Royal Albert Hall

“I talked to her after Linz and the other games she lost, and I told her,‘ Come on girl, it’s just a game, you’re playing really well. You are mentally, physically tired, because you played a lot this year. ‘ Winning a grand slam tournament is a really big deal, ”Ruse said.

As she climbed to an incredible 324 places in the WTA rankings to break into the top 20 in the world this year, Raducani’s return home – tickets for which were sold out in a week – will provide a touch of enthusiasm and attention that the star will receive. in its first full season. next year on tour.

“We signed Emma to play before the US Open – the fact that she won was a big blow to our hands,” said Paul McCann, vice president of tennis events at IMG, the agency that also manages Raducano. . “The fact that the U.S. Open champion and the hottest property in women’s tennis came and played at our event is huge, we’re all incredibly excited about it.”

The crowds at the Champions of Tennis event used to be older demographic groups in the past, although McCann strongly hopes that Raducani’s famous performance – for which he will receive a “modest” pay – will attract a younger audience that “is not necessarily difficult – the main tennis fans.” But those hoping to get their hands on Raducano goods – a Wimbledon-style towel or something – will be disappointed.

Fresh from my first holiday in seven years – New Raducanu coach Torben Beltz, is not expected to be present at the event. The competitive advantage of the players, however, will be. “We are very happy to play against each other,” Ruse said. “It’s funny because Emma told me, ‘Gabby, calm down with me – it’s just an exhibition match.'”

Twenty-four years since John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg revived their glorious rivalry at London’s precious concert hall, it is fitting that the sport’s newest superstar will drop the curtain on the long-running event.