Luke Littler has asked tennis icon Emma Raducanu for a meet-up, despite the world darts champion not actually knowing who she is.
Littler and Raducanu, while playing markedly different sports, share plenty in common.
Raducanu’s life changed drastically in 2021 when she, aged just 18 at the time, waltzed her way to the US Open title.
The teen didn’t drop a set en route to the final victory, where she toppled Leylah Fernandez to become the first-ever qualifier to win a tennis Grand Slam in the Open Era.
Granted, Littler stumbled at the final hurdle during his first crack at the World Darts Championship last year, but the starlet bounced back this time around and took the Sid Waddell trophy with aplomb.
According to Littler himself though, he’s none the wiser as to Raducanu’s exploits at the 2021 US Open, even though he’d be keen for a catch-up with the now 22-year-old.
Speaking to The Daily Mail earlier this month, he said: “We [he and Raducanu] have had no involvement as of yet.
“I didn’t know much about her but I know she won what she did at a young age. I’m sure her social media team or mine will be in touch. And I’d like to meet up.”
It comes after Raducanu floated the idea of a meet-up after Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final.
When quizzed on the darts protege, Raducanu responded: “Amazing respect to him.
“Big time [interested in meeting Littler]. I’d love to meet any top athletes and top individuals who have succeeded in their fields.”
The Canadian-born ace even offered some words of advice for Littler on what it’s like to rise to prominence at a relatively early age in the world of sport.
She added: “Not much prepares you for that. You feel like you’re constantly a bit on edge because you’re being followed [by photographers] or something.
“But I think the biggest part is the judgment and the comments about every single decision that you make.
“That for me was really difficult to deal with, to try and desensitise myself to and just understand that it comes with the territory you’re in.
“But I think trying to stay away from that and keep on my path has probably been the biggest adjustment for me.”
Littler will feature in his first tournament since turning 18 this weekend when he competes in the Dutch Darts Masters.
