Emma Raducanu gets unexpected compliment as tennis rival goes undercover in Hong Kong

Emma Raducanu picked up a compliment from a fan at the Hong Kong Open, despite not being at the tournament herself. The British tennis star was forced to pull out of this week’s WTA event in China after straining ligaments in her foot at the Korea Open in September.

Despite Raducanu’s absence, other big names from the women’s game have been in action including British number one Katie Boulter, and Canadian star Leylah Fernandez. And Fernandez, who Raducanu beat in the 2021 US Open final to secure her maiden Grand Slam title, has certainly made the most of her time in Hong Kong.

Earlier this week, the 22-year-old spent her time away from the court going undercover as one of the tournament’s volunteer staff. In a video shared on the competition’s Instagram page, Fernandez begins by saying: “I’m Leylah Fernandez, and I’m going undercover. “So I’ll be going by the gate to experience the volunteer work, so come with me and see how my experience goes.”

After donning a staff t-shirt and putting on sunglasses and a cap to disguise herself, the young star is then shown taking to the gates as she helps fans to put on their wristband tickets.
Fans and even tournament staff initially seem oblivious to Fernandez’ true identity, as she tells one fellow volunteer: “This is my first day, I’m trying to learn.”

Shortly afterwards, whilst scanning tickets the world number 28 asks some spectators: “Who are you excited to see today?” One fan then responded: “Whoever is the prettiest,” to which Fernandez probed: “Who is the prettiest in your opinion?” And despite not being in the tournament line-up, one fan reserved some kind words for Raducanu.

Answering Fernandez’ question, she said: “Emma is not here but she is pretty.”
With clear fan support in Hong Kong, Raducanu will surely be even more disappointed now to have just missed out on the tournament. The 21-year-old announced on X last week that she had not yet recovered from her earlier foot injury, writing: “Hellooo, I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week.

“Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit.” Raducanu then explained that she was targeting a return with Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup finals, starting on November 13. She added: “I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC.”

This is the latest injury setback for Raducanu after missing the majority of the 2023 season after undergoing double wrist and ankle surgery. Despite this, she has enjoyed a resurgent 2024, reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon in July, her best Grand Slam performance since victory over Fernandez in New York in 2021.