Emma Raducanu - "I'm looking forward to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix"
At the US Open in summer 2021, Emma Raducanu was the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament and thus made tennis history. Now she is serving for the first time at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
by p.m
last edit: Apr 12, 2022, 11:38 am
Before her premiere in Stuttgart's Porsche Arena, the 19-year-old Brit talks about her anticipation for the tournament, her enthusiasm for Porsche and motorsport and how it feels to be a Porsche brand ambassador.
Emma, you have been to Germany several times. What do you remember?
“I still remember splashing around in the fountain in front of Cologne Cathedral as a child. At that time we were traveling along the Rhine and Moselle. Later I won a junior event in Düren and in 2017 a tournament in Hamburg. So there are good memories that I associate with Germany.”
You are now playing at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix for the first time. How excited are you?
“I am really looking forward to playing my first WTA tournament on clay. Nice that it's the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. I've been following this event since I was very young. For me it was always the tournament where the winner gets a Porsche. That was unique, that made an impression. When I was on the tour, I heard a lot of positive things about the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix from other players. It's one of the most popular tournaments on the calendar, but that's no wonder: who doesn't love to win a Porsche?"
With nine top 10 players, the tournament is extremely strong. How much does such strong competition motivate you?
“Such a strong field is definitely a challenge. However, in my short time on the Tour, I've beaten some of these players. It would be very motivating if there were a few more wins in Stuttgart, especially on clay, where I have very little experience as there are almost no clay courts in Great Britain. This clay court season with the French Open as the highlight will be a great challenge for me, which I am really looking forward to.”
What's in your leisure program in Stuttgart - a stroll through the city or rather a trip to the Porsche Museum?
“Well, on my list of priorities, the Porsche Museum is clearly ahead of a stroll through the city. But I would also like to see the Porsche factory.”
You are a big motorsport fan. What do you love about it?
“I love the feeling of racing and being fast. That extreme acceleration and hard braking. But I am also very interested in the technology and the work of the mechanics and engineers.”
#IMG2#
You came into contact with motorsport as a child.
“I went karting when I was six and it made me feel different from most girls and boys in a very positive way. Much cooler. After I got better and better and more self-confident, I had a lot of fun. Later I switched to motocross, which was an even greater challenge. But also a pleasure, because let’s be honest: what kid doesn’t like to get dirty in the mud?”
Are there parallels between motorsport and tennis?
Motorsport is about constant improvement. I love that. I definitely see parallels to tennis. You always have to be focused on the pitch, react instinctively to new situations and find a quick solution. You put a lot of time and effort into preparation and training just to make small strides. In motorsport, however, they are even smaller than in tennis, so we're talking about fractions of a second. And there is another difference: If you make a mistake, the consequences in tennis are far more harmless.
How is it on the street? What kind of driver are you?
“I would describe myself as a safe and fairly decent driver who likes to drive fast when allowed. When I'm at home, I drive three hours to practice every day. Unfortunately, I rarely get to drive when I travel because I'm still too young to rent a car."
Porsche is primarily involved in long-distance racing and in Formula E. Which races do you like?
“A long-distance race is like a tight three-set match. At the end of the day, focus and skill are the deciding factors. This is also very interesting for the fans. Equally fascinating is Formula E. It's an environmentally friendly and innovative racing series, and I know how much torque and acceleration there is in the electric motors. Because the cars don't differ that much, there's more overtaking in Formula E than in other racing series. And that is one of the most appealing aspects of motorsport.”
Which racing driver would you like to take driving lessons from and in which car?
“I would choose a 911 because that's what I like best, but maybe also the super-sporty 718 Cayman GT4. And as a driver, Daniel Ricciardo would be my favorite. With his ability and his ease we would certainly have a lot of fun and I would learn quickly.”
Your favorite Porsche is the 911. Why?
“Two of my former coaches drove a 911. Whenever I came to practice in the morning before school, I admired the car and dreamed of owning one myself one day. Later I was in Brands Hatch and experienced the 911 on the racetrack at the Porsche Carrera Cup. Each generation of the 911 is unique and beautiful in its own way. This car is a legend. A symbol of performance, image and style.”
You've fulfilled many dreams on and off the field. How do you stay motivated?
“There are always new challenges in life and you always have to set yourself new goals. Right now I'm really focused on improving my game. That motivates me a lot.”
You recently became a Porsche brand ambassador. How's that for you?
“Being an ambassador for Porsche means a lot to me. Porsche is a brand that has fascinated me since I was a child. When working with partners and brands, it is important to me that I can develop a passion for them and identify with them. At Porsche, that fits perfectly. This partnership is incredible and I look forward to many exciting activities together.”