Emma Raducanu plans to pick the brains of the returning Serena Williams at Queen’s Club this week, but does not expect her own career to have the same longevity as the American legend.
The British No 1 will team up with Katie Boulter in the doubles at the HSBC Championships and could end up facing 44-year-old Williams, who is competing in a professional tennis event for the first time since 2022.
Raducanu shares the same management agency as Williams and told reporters on Sunday it would be “cool” to meet up with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion.
I haven’t spoken to her but I would obviously love to,” Raducanu said.
“She has so much experience, so many lessons. It would be a really cool thing to do so I’ll ask later.
Williams’ comeback match in London will see her partner Victoria Mboko against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe, as she bids to earn a wildcard for Wimbledon later this month.
However, Raducanu – who famously won the US Open at the age of 18 – does not expect to replicate Williams and play on into her forties.
Raducanu beat Williams in a singles match in Cincinnati four years ago, shortly before Williams stepped away from competitive tennis.
“I remember that match, it was when she was retiring at the end of the US swing,” Raducanu added.
“I was super nervous before playing her because it was just announced that she was stopping. It’s really great to see her back, it’s an amazing inspiration for all of us to see her around.
She’s the greatest female player of all time and it’s amazing to have her around and part of the tour again.”
Raducanu will play qualifier Anna Blinkova in her opening singles match at Queen’s, looking to rebuild confidence and form after her first-round exit to Solana Sierra at the French Open.