Emma Raducanu’s victory in the US Open carries a message that goes far beyond tennis

Editorial: We must find ways of developing the human capital of all our citizens, whoever they are and wherever they come from

(Brian Adcock)

The stunning victory of Emma Raducanu in the US Open carries a message that goes far beyond tennis.

Seen from a UK perspective it is one of a true Global Britain, one in which talent is welcomed and developed, where immigrants can thrive, and where character can be rewarded – a reality that is much more than a slogan concocted by our politicians. Seen from a global perspective the message is that two young women, both from ethnically diverse backgrounds, neither born with great privilege, can show the world that the qualities that brought them together at this epic final in the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City are a beacon of hope for us all.

Some parts of Emma Raducanu’s story have been universally reported. She was born in Toronto, Canada, 18 years ago. Her father was originally from Bucharest, Romania, and her mother from Shenyang in China. She was brought to Britain when she was two years old, started playing tennis aged five, and went to a grammar school in Bromley, Kent, where she and her family live.

Less well known is that she has been supported by the Lawn Tennis Association’s Pro Scholarship Programme. This is the final stage of the LTA’s Player Pathway, which helps young players from the age of seven through to major professional competitions. Unlike Andy Murray, who moved at the age of 15 to the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona to get better training facilities than were available in the UK, she was able to reach her potential in her home country.

These bare facts demonstrate two encouraging lessons. One is that the UK can create an environment that enables immigrants to live their dreams. The other is that in tennis at least, the opportunities for the development of talented young people are vastly better than they were a few years ago. This mirrors the advances that have been made in sports coaching more generally, as shown by the success of British Olympians and Paralympians in Tokyo.

These are lessons for the UK that need to be taken on board and applied more widely. We must not just welcome the people who choose to make their lives in this country and bring their human capital to our shores – though that should go without question. We must also find ways of developing the human capital of all our citizens, whoever they are and wherever they come from. The UK has made massive improvements in tennis coaching, as Sir Andy Murray’s experience makes clear. It should seek to think about its entire education system in the same way. Some things we are doing well; many things we could do much better.

As for lessons for the world, let’s celebrate also the achievement of Leylah Fernandez. She too was born in Canada, in Toronto’s great rival city, Montreal. Her father is from Ecuador, her mother a Filipino Canadian. Aged 19, she is only a few months older than Emma Raducanu. By any standards, she is a terrific tennis player, and she will surely have a great career ahead of her. Together, they have electrified global tennis. Together, they show other young women what can be achieved in one of the toughest sporting disciplines. And together, they have demonstrated that most wonderful of human characteristics: grace. Grace in victory; grace in defeat.

There will be huge pressure on both these young people. The media – both the conventional news enterprises and social media – should beware of adding to that pressure. Sport is supposed to be fun. We should also remember the crucial difference between sport and the wider elements of human endeavour. In sport there has to be a winner and a loser. In almost all other aspects of our lives, indeed in any successful society – in our jobs, our families, our leisure interests – both sides should win. Life is not a zero-sum game.

But meanwhile, let’s remember that on Saturday something special happened at the world’s largest tennis stadium that all of us should welcome. We should welcome Emma Raducanu’s great sporting achievement with joy, humility and hope.