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 as the tennis star as she spoke about the 'pinch me' moment

Queen's message to Emma Raducanu
(Image credit: Future: Canva / Getty)

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


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. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks to British US Open champion Emma Raducanu as they return to the LTA's National Tennis Centre for The Homecoming and to celebrate their success on September 24, 2021 in London, England.

(Image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.