Emma Raducanu

It's one of those miraculous stories that only life can write: she is 18 years young, fought her way through qualifying at the US Open and left New York as a new star in the tennis firmament: Emma Raducanu! Yesterday, US Open winner Emma Raducanu answered questions from the press at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz. The top seed is clearly feeling at home here at the WTA tournament and immediately starts talking: "I'm very happy to be here. I've been to Austria once before, but that was to go skiing when I was about seven years old. Unfortunately, I no longer go skiing because the risk of injury is too great. But I really like it here"

A lot has happened in the life of the 18-year-old in recent weeks. There was little sign of calm, much more hustle and bustle and excitement surrounding her. Now she is looking realistically and relaxed at the coming week of the tournament: "I think I can and must still work a lot on my game. I hope I play a bit better here because I just need to get back into the rhythm. It feels a bit like pre-season." She doesn't want to think about her position at this tournament because her goal is different: to have fun and enjoy the tournament.

And that can be achieved above all with the support of the fans - and she has already collected quite a few: "After my victory, I received an incredibly nice and warm welcome at home. When I played in Romania last week, I was also totally cheered. I'm so grateful for everyone who supports me and cheers me on the court." Let's see how it will be here in Linz!

Incidentally, the day after the final, the Brit celebrates her 19th birthday, so perhaps she's giving herself a present with her triumph in Linz?

Markus Achleitner, Upper Austrian Councillor for Economic Affairs and Sport, also declared himself an Emma fan: "The Upper Austria Ladies Linz has been a highlight in the sporting calendar of Upper Austria year after year since 1991. Tournament director Sandra Reichel has always succeeded in attracting world stars to the Upper Austrian capital. So it is a very special pleasure for us this year to welcome US Open winner Emma Raducanu - one of the hottest tennis stocks in the world. This not only guarantees great tennis, but also puts our province in the international spotlight and offers the opportunity for Upper Austria to present itself as a top destination."