Talented genius

Teenage celebrity Emma Raducanu continues her Wimbledon fairy tale in front of millions of new fans.

But her potential and talents were first discovered at the age of 11, when she began to command experienced professional players off the court.

The 18-year-old A Level student defeated Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the past 16 games and became the youngest woman in the UK to achieve such results in the Open era.

Anne Keothavong, captain of the British BJK Cup team, chose Raducanu as an unused substitute for the defeat in the 2020 Slovak qualifiers.

That was seven years ago, when she was on the receiving end of Raducanu’s fierce shot.

37-year-old Keothavong said: “After retirement, Mel Nan and I participated in my coaching course. We needed some guinea pigs, so Emma and another little girl came to the National Tennis Center.

“I heard that she is one of the best players in this country. Suddenly I thought,’Oh my goodness, this is an 11-year-old kid, I need to try and play as much as possible-just to show her who It’s the boss here’.

“Mel and I had to play doubles.

“We looked at each other and said,’We must do our best. They are only 11 years old, but they are fine.”

“I remember I thought she was really special. Even so, she still has a game-and hopes to catch the ball when she rises.

“As far as her future is concerned, we are talking about the top ten. She is the real deal.