Raducanu set for exhausting 15,000-mile trip to end season after US Open heroics

Emma Raducanu is set to clock up the air miles as she bids to build on her stunning US Open triumph.

The 18-year-old is currently in California preparing for the prestigious BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, which begins Monday, October 4, and then has also entered tournaments in Moscow and Romania later this month.

And now Raducanu, who at Flushing Meadows became the first qualifier in history to capture a Grand Slam title, has confirmed she's entered the main draw of the Upper Austria Ladies in Linz, that takes place between November 6-12.

It means the British star will visit four countries and travel more than 15,000 miles in six weeks before taking a break in readiness for the Australian Open in January, which remarkably, will represent just her third Grand Slam event.

“I’ve heard many great things about Linz, how well they treat the players and how many great champions have won this title in the past," said Raducanu.

“I’m really looking forward to play in Austria in front of their great fans.”

The news has delighted tournament organisers, with event director Sandra Reichel saying: "Emma Raducanu is a fascinating personality who not only inspires me with her excellent tennis.

"She wins over the audience immediately thanks to her friendly appearance and her radiant smile, and she has remained very down-to-earth."

Tournament ambassador Barbara Schett, a former two-time US Open semi-finalist, added: "Emma in Linz would be amazing.

"I like the way she plays. With her triumph at the US Open she triggered a real hype in Britain. Emma has the whole package.

"She’s not only a top athlete, but also very intelligent and an enchanting personality.

"It would be wonderful to see her playing in Linz. It would also have a massive impact on the TV ratings for the tournament."

There could however, be one spanner in the works if the world No 22, who arrived in New York last month ranked 150, earns enough points to secure a place at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At the moment a spot seems unlikely with the event reserved for the top eight ranked players only. Wimbledon champion Ash Barty has already pulled out, with Naomi Osaka's expected to follow suit, but Raducanu would still be reliant on a series of withdrawals to qualify.

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