Emma Raducanu ‘plans to study at Cambridge’ after being offered a spot at the prestigious university
EMMA Raducanu "plans to study at Cambridge" after being offered a place at the top university, according to her grandmother.
As if competing at Wimbledon on Monday isn't enough of an honour, the 19-year-old tennis ace has her sights set on the ancient university to study Economics.
Tennis's newest it-girl scored star-studded A-levels in Maths and Economics last summer just weeks before she sweeping a historic victory at the US Open.
Now Cambridge is reportedly ready to "welcome [her] any time" once her schedule allows.
Emma mentioned the uni offer to her grandmother on one of their twice-weekly video calls soon after her iconic US Open win.
Grandma Niculina Raducanu spoke to the from her home in Bucharest, Romania, saying: "I know she wants to go to university to study economics as soon as she has the time.
Read more Tennis
"Cambridge University offered her the possibility to take classes there. They said she is welcome any time."
The teen sportstar's prize money and eye-watering sponsorship deals with luxury brands like Dior and Tiffany mean she's estimated to be worth up to £10million.
But her granny is adamant Emma needs to cherish her education as well.
The retired primary school teacher, who is 89, told the Mail: "It is my wish for her to continue her education but it is also her wish.
Most read in The Sun
"She will do both tennis and university – but she needs to be strong in order to do both.
"Emma has always split her life between practice and school. She is planning to honour her university offer as soon as she can.
"Money comes and goes, but an education will never go away."
A spokesman for Cambridge University last week refused to confirm whether it has formally offered her a place.
The youngster has scared fans ahead of the oldest tennis tournament in the world at Wimbledon on Monday, but is still on track to play.
She suffered a side strain in the first round of the Nottingham Open at the start of June which required lengthy medical treatment on the court.
In the end Emma had to withdraw after just seven games and has not played a full match on grass since quitting the Wimbledon fourth round last year.
To make matters worse, Britain's golden girl failed to show up for an allotted training slot under the No.1 Court roof this afternoon.
The 19-year-old was down to play two-time Slam champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain for 45 minutes this afternoon.
But Emma’s team informed officials at late notice that she would not be walking out to an arena where the world’s media and photography were waiting.
Despite the lavish offers, the teen's agent insisted she is not distracted by her off-court commitments and has in fact turned down "millions" in sponsorship deals.
After her fairytale triumph last September, an influx of global brands desperately approached her with big bucks to be their poster girl.
Her multi-million contracts include Vodafone, Porshe and HSBC - as well as Dior and Tiffany mentioned above.
Fans are on the edge of their seat rooting for the British number one again on Monday, even if former pros have their doubts.
Pam Shriver, who won five Wimbledon women’s doubles titles, believes the injury and the unsettled coaching situation mean a deep run at Wimbledon is unlikely.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon 2022
Emma has a difficult first round on Monday against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck, who is ranked 46th in the world.
If things go well, she could play Japan-born Yuriko Miyazaki, who defected to Britain this year, in the second round.
