Emma Raducanu has revealed she would like her ‘role model’ Lewis Hamilton to be named Sports Personality of the Year for 2021.
Tennis star Raducanu is the strong favourite to take home the lucrative prize after she wrote her name into the history books thanks to a record-breaking victory at the US Open in September.
Raducanu was crowned champion at Flushing Meadows at just 18-years-old, and became the first qualifier in Grand Slam history to take home one of tennis’ four big prizes.
Despite her own remarkable year though, the teenager believes her sporting ‘role model’ Hamilton should be the person to take the prize instead.
Hamilton’s 2021 season is still yet to come to a close, as the seven-time world champion heads into the final two races of the Formula One season just eight points behind leader Max Verstappen.
If the Englishman can turnaround his title rival’s eight-point lead at the top of the standings, he will become the most successful driver in F1 history by collecting his eighth world title, one more than the great Michael Schumacher.
However, regardless of whether he is crowned world champion or not, Raducanu believes Hamilton is deserving of the prize.
Speaking about who she is tipping for the prize Raducanu said: “He's just been really cool and helping me. Like he said, be patient. You have just got to ride the wave.
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“I'm rooting for Lewis. He's been such a good role model for me in terms of helping me out and through these next stages.”
Ahead of the festive period Raducanu is sacrificing a Christmas at home, and remains in Abu Dhabi and Dubai where she will continue her preparation for January’s Australian Open.
Discussing the tough decision to stay away from home throughout the festive month, the 19-year-old said remaining in the Middle East is best for her and her career.
She commented: “I'm there to train, I'm there to get better. 'What's going to be best for me is staying in the Middle East rather than flying seven hours back and forth.
“So I feel like it's not a sacrifice and hopefully my mum or dad can come out.”
One person who is set to join the US Open champion’s team for her Australian Open prep is new coach Torben Beltz, as she added: “He's coming in and we'll be working hard together throughout the off-season into Australia.”
Beltz was not in attendance at the Brit’s exhibition match with past practice partner Elena-Gabriela Ruse in London at the weekend, but will be part of Raducanu’s set up for January’s Grand Slam.
