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Emma Raducanu has thanked Li Na after winning the Laureus World Sports 'Breakthrough of the Year' award.
The 19-year-old Brit sent shockwaves through the tennis fraternity by scripting an unexpected triumph at the US Open last year after starting her campaign as a qualifier. Following her dream run at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu broke into the top 20, ending the year at a career-best World No. 19.
On Sunday, Laureus Academy member Li Na introduced the Brit as the Breakthrough of the Year award winner in a special video message.
“Hey Emma, Li Na here to say congrats," she said. "I’m happy that as a member of the Academy my colleagues and I have chosen you as the winner."
The teen then thanked Li on the Laureus World Sport Weibo account in Mandarin.
"Li Na, you are my favorite tennis star. I would like to say thank you. I want to meet you too. See you soon." (English translation)
The World No. 11 also expressed her gratitude for receiving the award and thanked her fellow nominees.
"It means so much to receive this award and I really want to congratulate my other nominees. I feel like it's been a really great year for me but I've still got a lot of work to do."
Other nominees for the Breakthrough of the Year award were 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev, Barcelona and Spain football star Pedri, Tokyo Olympics men's javelin throw gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, track and field star Yulimar Rojas and swimmer Ariarne Titmus.
Emma Raducanu's 2022 campaign thus far
Emma Raducanu has had a modest 2022 campaign thus far. The teenager started her season with an opening-round defeat in Sydney before making the second round at the Australian Open.
Interspersed between opening-round exits at Guadalajara and Miami was a round of 32 finish at Indian Wells. In the BJK Cup Qualifiers, she won one of her two singles matches as Great Britain lost 2-3 to the Czech Republic.
On her next stop at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Raducanu lost to World No. 1 and eventual winner Iga Swiatek in straight sets in the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, her two wins at the WTA 500 tournament helped Raducanu ascend to a career-best ranking of 11 in the world.
