Emma Raducanu has seen her Instagram following soar to 1.2 million amid her sensational US Open victory in New York yesterday, beating Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3.
The 18-year-old athlete from Bromley, who became the first British woman to win since Virginia Wade’s Wimbledon victory in 1977, saw her social media page explode last night as over 500,000 new fans flocked to her Instagram account to follow the youngster.
Emma’s incredible performances in New York and at the SW19 tournament have seen her go from 366th in the world rankings to the top 25, increased her Instagram following to a staggering 1.2 million, and secured her first Vogue photoshoot, which appears in next month’s issue.
It comes after popular culture and brand expert Nick predicted the teenager would become a ‘billion dollar brand’ and A-list sensation.
Athlete Emma Raducanu has seen her Instagram following soar to 1.2 million, gaining 500,000 new followers in under 24-hours amid her US Open victory yesterday
The teen celebrated her unprecedented victory after beating beating Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3. The victory saw her soar up the rankings from 150 to 23
Emma’s Instagram following currently stands at a staggering 1.2 million, as her star continues to rise within the tennis and popular culture worlds
Emma burst on to the scene at this year’s Wimbledon, where she became the youngest British woman to reach the fourth round of the singles competition since 1959 after being handed a wildcard entry.
Emma won an army of fans at Wimbledon, admitting in her charmingly humble post-match interview on court that she never expected to make the second week.
After her first round victory she gained 30,000 followers on Instagram, and her second win left her with 153,000.
On her Instagram page, the rising star references her global roots listing London, where she lives now, Toronto, where she was born and the two cities where her parents are from Bucharest in Romania and Shenyang in China.
The teen has now become a millionaire, picking up £1.8 million for winning the slam – more than her entire career winnings to date
The teen has now become a millionaire, picking up £1.8 million for winning the slam, a victory set to make her famous on both sides of the Atlantic.
Nick told FEMAIL that fans should expert Emma to become recognised globally and have the ‘star crossover power’ to become an A-list celebrity like Serena Williams, the US tennis champion who boasts famous singers Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland as friends.
According to Nick: ‘Emma will become a household name not only in the UK but in the USA and worldwide, which is a real game-changer.
‘At only 18 she is now going to sky rocket both in the sports world but also as a celebrity,’ he said.
‘She now has the star power of crossover athletes like Serena Williams and Andy Murray.
Emma (pictured) won an army of fans at Wimbledon, admitting in her charmingly humble post-match interview on court that she never expected to make the second week
Raducanu pictured as a toddler; she moved with parents Ian and Renee to England in 2004
‘She will have brands throwing themselves at her and it’s now time for her to carefully decide which offers can be the most lucrative, brand appropriate, age appropriate and have the most longevity.
‘If a top fashion or cosmetics brand is looking to appeal to a younger demographic then she is the perfect choice to bring new fans.
‘I don’t see her working with fast fashion but more established companies who have strong brand identity.
‘At her age she will no doubt be conscious of the environment so brands like Stella McCartney’s and Victoria Beckham’s would be a perfect choice.’
He added: ‘I definitely see her walking the red carpet at the Met Gala and winning the Sports Personality of the Year Award.’
Emma is set to appear in a photoshoot in October’s issue of Vogue magazine – a move which could see her well on her way to becoming a celebrity as well as sports star, according to Chris Southgate, Managing Director at CHS marketing agency.
Chris said: ‘Her tremendous performance, both at Wimbledon and now the US open, means that she has the opportunity to become the next big celebrity tennis player – as well as a role model for all British sport.
‘No matter which [brand] direction she decides to embark on, the one safe bet is that she’s already well on her way to becoming a national treasure both on and off the court.’
Tim Crow, a sports marketing consultant who advised Coca-Cola on football sponsorship for 20 years, told the Guardian: ‘I haven’t had this many calls from clients, major brands, who are interested in her since Lewis Hamilton broke through in Formula One.
‘If she wins [the final] she will become one of the hottest properties in British sport, if not the hottest.’
As well as gaining social media fans and picking up plaudits from pop culture experts, Emma picked up a slew of praise from prolific figures.
The Queen herself wrote to Emma saying: ‘It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.’
She was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who hailed her ‘stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory!’
Meanwhile prime minister Boris Johnson said ‘we are all hugely proud of you’ as he praised Raducanu’s ‘extraordinary skill, poise and guts.’