Emma Raducanu wants Crazy Rich Asians star Gemma Chan to play her in a film about her life.
The teen tennis sensation isn’t ready for the Hollywood treatment just yet – but says Gemma would be ideal for the role because they come from the same neighbourhood.
Emma, 18, said: “She actually grew up on the street right next to my house and went to the same secondary school.
“It’s such a small world. And she was in Crazy Rich Asians, which was huge. I’d say she’s very poised. I respect her a lot.”
Gemma – who, at 38, is 20 years older than Emma – has also been in shows such as Doctor Who, Sherlock and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
Both grew up in Bromley, south east London, and went to Newstead Wood girls’ grammar school in Orpington – as did Olympian Dina Asher-Smith, 25.
Emma has become an overnight sensation since winning the US Open two weeks ago – and has also been wowing fans off court.
She attended New York’s Met Gala two days after her win, was a guest at the New York Stock Exchange and on Monday, was at a London Fashion Week event.
Emma has just signed a deal to be the new face of jeweller, Tiffany & Co. And on Friday she was back on court – with the Duchess of Cambridge.
But Emma enjoys the simple pleasures in life the most – such as almond croissants.
In a video for the Lawn Tennis Association, she reveals she even has a chat group with her trainer and physio called Almond Croissant.
Emma explained: “The gym my physio owns is next to this unbelievable artisan cafe.
“I drive 20 minutes each way just to get this almond croissant. It’s a bit of an inside joke.”
The tennis ace added: “I’m a persistent snacker. I eat all the time. I have my own food I bring down to breakfast. People must think I’m mad.”
And when asked who her dream dinner guests would be, Emma said: “Daniel Ricciardo, he seems like a really funny guy. I’m quite into F1.
“And Michael Jordan… so much insight. I’d love to hear some stories of his.
“The third would be Tom Keene from Bloomberg. I did A-level economics and was having to keep up with all the latest news.
“He made it, in a way, using analogies that were funny and very understandable.”
