AS GREAT Britain celebrates the success of its newest sporting hero, Emma Raducanu, a Whitchurch tennis club have revealed a special connection to the US Open star.

At the weekend Raducanu, 18, shocked the sporting world, after becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam Tennis final.

The Hollies Tennis Club, based in Tarporley Road, have revealed her coach Andrew Richardson took part in the club's 24-hour 'tennisathon' in 2016.

Richardson joined club members and other professionals in helping raise money for Cancer Research, with the event raising more than £13,000.

Yvonne Shrimplin, from the club, said members were 'amazed' to discover the connection.

She said: "[There was] exciting news for Hollies Tennis Club members on the eve of our own club championships, as we discovered that we had, in fact had a coaching session with Andrew Richardson, Emma Raducanu's coach.

"Andrew came to Hollies Tennis Club in 2016 during our 24-hour tennisathon, to help raise £13,302 for Cancer Research."