Rising British stars to receive backing and mentoring from Andy Murray and Amazon
Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu have been announced as the winners of the inaugural Amazon Prime Video Future Talent Award, supported by Andy Murray.
The bi-annual award is designed to offer financial support to the most promising tennis players in the UK, with three-time Grand Slam champion Murray ready to offer advice as a mention to both Draper and Raducanu.
Draper, 17, has shown real promise in the junior ranks and was runner-up in the 2018 Wimbledon Boys’ Singles, while Canadian-born Raducanu is viewed as one of the brightest stars in the British tennis ranks.
The duo will receive a total of £60,000 each in funding over a two-year cycle, to be used for developing skills and progressing their career as they move into the professional ranks. In addition to £30,000 each per year, they will receive one-on-one progress updates with Andy, as well as support from Amazon mentors.
“It’s important to help develop young talent in this country – the transition from juniors to seniors is tough,” said Murray, who has long been a huge supporter of rising British stars.
“I’ve been working with Amazon to develop this award and hopefully it can help develop future British players.”
The selection committee for the award was made up of three judges, Andy Murray, Annabel Croft and Tim Henman, with additional insight from the LTA through Anne Keothavong, the GB Fed Cup captain.
Additionally, the selection committee gave rising stars Francesca Jones, Jodie Burrage, Jack Pennington Jones and Paul Jubb runner-up prizes, which will include a bursary of £5,000 each and support from Andy.
“As the home of tennis broadcasting in the UK we’re very happy to be investing in the future of British tennis and working with Andy on the Prime Video Future Talent Award,” commented Alex Green, MD of Sports, Prime Video Europe.
“The quality of candidates for the award was so impressive, and Emma and Jack stood out as having the strongest potential and a great mind-set to achieve at the highest level of tennis, so we’re pleased to be able to support them in their development as two young British tennis players.”
Amazon Prime is the home of tennis in the UK, with their live coverage of the ATP Finals continuing through to the final on Sunday.
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