Gary Lineker bumps into Emma Raducanu having watched US Open heroics during MOTD

Gary Lineker bumped into tennis star Emma Raducanu having watched her US Open heroics during Match of the Day.

Former England striker Lineker, 61, is a big fan of the 19-year-old, who stunned the world last September with the Grand Slam victory in New York. He interrupted that night's broadcast of MOTD to congratulate her on live TV, admitting he'd been watching on during the show.

He also posted to Twitter: “First time in my life I’ve ever tweeted whilst on air but my goodness what a performance, what a triumph, what an amazing young woman. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set. Extraordinarily fabulous.”

READ MORE: Fallon Sherrock aims to replicate Emma Raducanu after ticking off rogue bucket list item

Now the pair have crossed paths in real life, with Lineker sharing a selfie of them together in celebration of National Selfie Day. "Just bumped into the brilliant @EmmaRaducanu. So as it’s #NationalSelfieDay here you go," he wrote.

Where their meeting took place is unclear, but Raducanu is currently preparing for Wimbledon which kicks off later this month on Monday June 27.

What's the strangest sports crossover you've seen? Let us know in the comments section below

She has struggled with injuries since the shock turn of events at Flushing Meadows. They have meant she's only played 33 minutes of competitive tennis on grass so far this season.

The decision was made for her to sit out of the Eastbourne Invitational, which many players use as a warm-up for Wimbledon. So she'll head to The Championships less prepared than her rivals.

A chat with Lineker will have been a boost, though, as she previously revealed her allegiance to Tottenham by wearing their kit on court. He scored 80 goals in 138 appearances for Spurs between 1989 and 1992.

READ NEXT:

  • Eight sports stars who peaked at a young age as Emma Raducanu struggles for form

  • Tennis babe once crowned most marketable athlete in the world no longer has WTA ranking

  • Police spoke to tennis ace Dominic Thiem when neighbours thought he was 'shooting porn'

Source: Read Full Article