Emma Raducanu has said she would love to meet and speak to darting sensation Luke Littler about his achievements so far, adding ‘nothing prepares’ young sportspeople for the spotlight that comes their way.
Speaking to media ahead of her Australian Open first-round encounter vs Katerina Alexandrova on Tuesday, 22-year-old Raducanu admitted she would be keen to get Littler’s take on the key to success, as she seeks to return to the sort of form which saw her win the 2021 US Open aged 18.
Littler, still just 17, became the youngest winner of the World Darts Championship in history earlier this month, convincingly defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final.
“Amazing respect to him,” Raducanu said. “Big time [interested in meeting Littler]. I’d love to meet any top athletes and top individuals who have succeeded in their fields.
Highlights of Littler against Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship
“I think darts is such a precision sport that I’d be so keen and interested to hear things that he had to say about it, and [how to] stay focused, because you can be so close but not necessarily execute the final shot. In that sense, it’s quite similar to tennis.”
Since Raducanu’s stunning Grand Slam success she has struggled considerably with injury, form and the spotlight, revealing her advice to Littler in terms of the huge amount of attention that they have both experienced.
The current British No 2 added there is a particular focus around social media comments, which Raducanu says young stars have to “desensitise” themselves from, in order to move forward productively.
“Not much prepares you for that. You feel like you’re constantly a bit on edge because you’re being followed [by photographers] or something,” Raducanu said.
Raducanu has struggled with injury, form and the spotlight since winning the US Open in 2021
“But I think the biggest part is the judgment and the comments about every single decision that you make.
“That for me was really difficult to deal with, to try and desensitise myself to and just understand that it comes with the territory you’re in.
“But I think trying to stay away from that and keep on my path has probably been the biggest adjustment for me.”
Emma Paton, Mark Webster and Richard Ashdown discuss if Littler can break Phil Taylor’s World Darts Championship titles record of 16
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