Emma Raducanu receives an MBE for services to tennis from King Charles

Emma Raducanu said she is “extremely grateful” for her MBE after it was presented to her by the king on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old athlete beamed as she posed for photos after accepting the honor, awarded for services to tennis, at an inauguration ceremony at Windsor Castle.

She was named Member of the Order of the British Empire at just 18 years old after her 2021 US Open win.

The win over Canadian – and fellow teen – Leylah Fernandez saw her make history as the first British woman to win a grand slam singles title since Virginia Wade’s 1977 Wimbledon win.

In a statement after the ceremony, she said: “It was wonderful to receive my honor from His Majesty the King today – I am immensely grateful.”

But despite making history with her win at the US Open, Emma recently revealed she “didn’t mind” the performance.

Speaking to Grazia magazine, she confessed, “It wasn’t a problem for my family — it was just like a normal Friday or Saturday night.”

She continued, “I’ve never dated. I never did normal teenage things. It takes some getting used to between training and traveling, but I like to be on my own and it’s always about the bigger picture.’

Emma added that she thought Andy Murray was “good to talk to” about all the issues and concerns she has as he comes from a similar background.

Struggling with the pressures of the “individual” sport, she found solace in a conversation with Andy, who, like her, rose to international fame as a teenager when he won the 2004 Junior US Open and turned pro at age 17.

Meanwhile, Labor MP Dame Nia Griffith, who accepted her honor at the same inauguration ceremony, said of the tennis star: “I think it’s fantastic to see a young person (achieve) the success that she had and I think she’s going to be there now clearly stated. incredibly challenging situation to deal with that success and also deal with disappointment.

‘And I certainly love to see young people being praised and rewarded and let’s make sure we give every young person the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest.’

Also on Tuesday, Turner Prize-nominated artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien was to receive a knighthood for his services to diversity and inclusion in the arts.

Former footballer Gary Bennett, patron of the Show Racism The Red Card group, was one of the other MBE recipients and former Test cricketer Hugh Morris. The batsman was awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity.