Emma Raducanu said she would love to meet and talk to shooting sensation Luke Littler about his achievements so far, adding that “nothing prepares” young athletes for the spotlight that touches them.
Speaking to the media ahead of her Australian Open first-round match against Katerina Aleksandrova on Tuesday, 22-year-old Raducanu admitted she would be keen to get Littler's opinion on the key to success as she looks to return to the form he saw her in at 18 won the US Open 2021.
Littler, still just 17, became the youngest winner of the World Darts Championship in history earlier this month, convincingly beating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final.
“Incredible respect for him,” he said to Raducan. “Big way (interested in meeting Littler). I would like to meet all the top athletes and top individuals who have succeeded in their fields.
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Highlights of Littler vs Michael van Gerwen in World Darts Final
“I think darts is such a precise sport that I would be so eager and interested to hear the things he had to say about it, and (how to) stay focused, because you can be so close, but not necessarily make the last shot. In that sense, it's quite similar to tennis.”
Since Raducanu's stunning Grand Slam success, she has struggled quite a bit with injuries, form and the spotlight, revealing her advice to Littler regarding the immense attention they have both experienced.
The current British No. 2 added that there is a particular focus on social media comments, which Raducanu says young stars need to “desensitize” in order to move forward productively.
“It doesn't prepare you much for it. You feel like you're constantly on edge because you're being followed by (photographers) or something,” Raducanu said.
Radučanu has struggled with injury, form and the spotlight since winning the 2021 US Open.
“But I think the biggest part is judgment and commentary on every single decision you make.
“It was really hard for me to deal with it, to try to desensitize myself and just realize that it comes with the territory you're in.
“But I think trying to stay away from that and continue on my own path is probably the biggest adjustment for me.”
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Emma Paton, Mark Webster and Richard Ashdown discuss whether Littler can break Phil Taylor's World Darts record of 16 titles
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