Emma Raducanu praises ‘role model’ Harry Kane, admits being inspired by Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappe

Emma Raducanu was effusive in her praise for Harry Kane after picking the England captain’s brain ahead of the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old grew up as a Tottenham fan and was previously pictured wearing a personalised replica top in a practice session for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix last April.

She has gained an insight into how Kane deals with playing under pressure at the highest level, and highlighted the importance of athletes sharing their own experiences.

“We haven’t spoken so much but he’s obviously an outstanding player and it’s just pretty cool isn’t it. For someone of his achievements, it’s pretty remarkable how he’s so humble. I respect him a lot.

“It’s obviously really cool to speak to some other athletes. I think it’s good because we all kind of understand what each other are thinking and going through at times. And at the end of the day, they’re just really cool people as well.”

The 2021 US Open champion also attended the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar last month and was blown away by the atmosphere in Doha.

Raducanu was especially impressed with the ding-dong battle between Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappe that lit up the showpiece event between Argentina and France.

“I think watching it as an athlete, you probably have a little bit of empathy as to what they’re feeling and what they’re thinking in those pressure situations and moments,” she said.

“To watch them go head-to-head was really cool. What Mbappe was able to do in that final was amazing.

“He was really pushing and carrying the team. I’m really happy for Messi because he just finished it off perfectly.

“You appreciate a lot more what they’re able to do under such circumstances. But then you also have a little bit of envy thinking: ‘Oh, I wish I was playing a tennis match on this scale with all this support’.

“The atmosphere was insane in the stadium. I’ve never heard anything like it.”

Raducanu is now focusing on the start of the Australian Open and a first-round clash against Tamara Korpatsch on Monday.

The Brit endured a challenging year in 2022 and slumped down to No. 77 in the WTA rankings after mixed form and suffering a series of injuries.

Raducanu appointed Sebastian Sachs as her new coach back in December, her fifth in 18 months.

Schett said: “I just hope that one day Emma will find the coach whom she can work with for a long time and not only for a few months. I think that will be really important for her, she hasn’t found that match yet. We’ll see how she goes now with the one she has now.”

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