Two years ago, young tennis player Joanie Melady won over hearts across the UK when she appeared on BBC Breakfast, sharing her passion for the sport and admiration for Emma Raducanu. Despite playing with a prosthetic arm, Joanie’s determination and love for tennis shone through, inspiring many.
Fast forward to today, and Joanie’s dream became reality at the National Tennis Centre, where she was surprised with a chance to meet and play with Raducanu. The emotional moment unfolded as Joanie stepped onto the court, unaware of what was about to happen. When Raducanu appeared, the young player was overwhelmed with joy, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love for the game.
Raducanu expressed her admiration for Joanie’s dedication, calling her an inspiration. Their session was filled with laughter, rallies, and heartfelt exchanges, showcasing the power of sport in bringing people together.
The meeting left a lasting impact on both players, with Joanie walking away with memories she will cherish forever. Raducanu, in turn, was reminded of the profound influence athletes can have on young fans.
Emma Raducanu in 2025
Now ranked no.37, the Brit played her last match on the 13th of June when she capitulated to world no.5 Qinwen Zheng 6-2 6-4 in the quarter in London (draw).
This season the Brit has achieved an overall 15-12 match record.