Emma Raducanu reveals Queen's sweet gesture was a 'pinch me' moment for the tennis star

The Queen's message to Emma Raducanu was revealed in a recent interview with the tennis star who spoke about this 'pinch me' moment.

• The Queen reached out to the tennis star Emma Raducanu who is the number one ranked female British tennis player.
• This kind gesture from Her Majesty was revealed in a recent interview with the tennis star.
• In other royal news, The ‘enormous impression’ the Queen made on fellow royal growing up that proved ruling was completely ‘worthwhile.’

Emma Raducanu who won Sports Personality of the Year 2021 revealed that the Queen is among her many admirers across the UK. In the interview for Elle magazine, Crazy Rich Asians actress, Gemma Chan, asked the tennis star, "Have you had a big ‘pinch me’ moment off the court?"

Emma then revealed that one of the highlights of her career was receiving a letter from Her Majesty. "Definitely when I stepped off the court at the US Open, and when I received a letter from the Queen," said the star.

As the first British woman in 44 years to win a Grand Slam title, it is perhaps not particularly surprising that Her Majesty took the time to write to her personally. 

At the time in September 2021, the Queen's congratulatory message read, "I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships.  It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.  I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players.  I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters. ELIZABETH R."

Both the Queen and Kate Middleton congratulated Emma Raducanu following her grand slam win.

The Duchess of Cambridge took to social media to congratulate the star at the time. "Huge congratulations on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch," said the royal couple.

Tennis is one of Kate Middleton's hobbies that she has followed for years and often can be seen at Wimbledon watching the sport. Kate Middleton even showed her sporty side as she took to the court with tennis champ Emma Raducanu in a playful game which showed the royal's support for the tennis champ. 

Emma most recently played at the French Open but had a disappointing loss against her Belarusian opponent, Aliaksandra Sasnovich. 

Despite this loss, the star is expected to play at Wimbledon which is set to begin Monday, June 27, and go on until Sunday, July 10. This is an English sporting event that is commonly frequented by the royals and it is likely that some members of the extended royal family will go to London to see the tennis star play.