Gary Lineker takes swipe at Nigel Farage after Emma Raducanu’s US Open win

Gary Lineker delighted tennis fans by taking a swipe at Nigel Farage following Emma Raducanu's sensational win at the US Open.

Raducanu, 18, was born in Canada to parents Ian and Renee, who originate from Romania and China respectively. She moved to England at the age of two, and three years later began playing tennis.

And following her 6-4 6-3 victory over fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez, audio reemerged online on Sunday morning of an interview that former Ukip leader Farage gave to LBC radio regarding the prospect of living next door to Romanian people.

After describing crime statistics relating to offences committed by Romanians as "eye watering", he said: "I was asked a question if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned. If you lived in London I think you would be."

Lineker, 60, couldn't resist a dig after the interview resurfaced on Twitter.

"He won’t be able to afford to live next door to Emma Raducanu so he needn't worry," he said.

Raducanu received a check worth £1.8 million for her maiden Grand Slam win, and Lineker's admiration for her achievement has been clear to see.

While presenting Match of the Day on Saturday night, he tweeted: "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 Emma Raducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set. Extraordinarily fabulous."

Prior to the programme starting, he joked that the British player needed to wrap the match up quickly after taking the first set.

"Come on Emma Raducanu. Fantastic first set," he wrote. "Please try and win the 2nd set so we can all concentrate on Match of the Day."

And after her victory, he wasted no time in reminding Raducanu to turn up at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards evening.

"A note for your diary," he said. "Emma Raducanu: BBC Sports Personality Of The Year is December 12th. Hope to see you there."

Indeed, she's already a big favourite to take the award, with some bookies having her at 1/20 on.

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