LINZ, October 4, 2021
She is 18 years old and the new star in women’s tennis: Emma Raducanu. The adorable Brit took the hearts of tennis fans by storm at the 2021 US Open in New York and caused a world sensation in tennis at the last Grand Slam tournament of the year. Raducanu has become the first player since the beginning of the “Open Era” in 1968 to win a major as a qualifier – without losing a set. On September 11, the Toronto native emerged victorious from the all-teen final with 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez, winning 6-4, 6-3.
“Emma Raducanu is a fascinating personality who not only inspires me with her excellent tennis. She wins over the audience immediately thanks to her friendly appearance and her radiant smile, and she has remained very down-to-earth,” says Sandra Reichel, tournament director of the 2021 Upper Austria Ladies Linz, which will be held at the TipsArena from 6th to 12th November. Reichel got in touch with her manager right after the 18-year-old’s sensational US Open triumph.
Raducanu: “I have heard many great things about Linz”
Would Linz be a journey into the unknown? Yes and no! Of course, it would mark Raducanu’s debut at Austria’s women’s tennis classic, which is taking place for the 31st time this year. However, the word “LINZ” sounds great to the teenager. “I’ve heard many great things about Linz, how well they treat the players and how many great champions have won this title in the past. I am really looking forward to come to Austria and play in front of their great fans,” says Raducanu.
Whether the new “tennis queen” Emma Raducanu will definitely compete in Linz depends on how the young Briton will perform in the next few weeks. If she secures qualification for the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, Raducanu will not be able to undertake the trip to Linz, as the season-ending tournament is kicking off on 10th November and causes an overlap with the Upper Austria Ladies Linz.
Schett enthusiastic about Emma
Tournament ambassador Barbara Schett is also a big Emma fan. She speaks of the 18-year-old in glowing terms. “Emma in Linz, that would be amazing. I like the way she plays. With her triumph at the US Open she triggered a real hype in Great Britain. Emma has got ‘the whole package’. She is not only a top athlete, but also very intelligent and an enchanting personality. It would be wonderful to see her playing in Linz, that would also have a massive impact on the TV ratings for the tournament,” says former world-class player Schett.
Tickets are on sale
Tickets for the Upper Austria Ladies Linz are now on sale with individual tickets starting at just 20 Euros. For tickets, please, click here.
Qualifying first-round matches on Saturday, 6th November are free of charge. All kids up to 16 years will also enjoy free entrance on GIRLS’ DAY, 7th November.
