EXCLUSIVE: Emma Raducanu superfan James Bray earned internet stardom, free Australian Open tickets thanks to one simple word
Emma Raducanu superfan James Bray earned internet stardom and free Australian Open 2026 tickets thanks to one simple word: Raddo.
Bray became an overnight celebrity after the British tennis champion singled him out and thanked him for shouting "Go Raddo" from the stands during a post-match interview.
Speaking to Wide World of Sports, Bray said he recently got in touch with Raducanu's agent and scored tickets to the rest of her matches in Melbourne.
LIVE UPDATES: Australian Open 2026, Day 2
READ MORE: 'Bananas' crowd smashes record, catches boss off guard
READ MORE: 'Worrying' Djokovic admission to force 'super aggressive' switch
James Bray became an overnight celebrity for shouting "Go Radd" during Raducanu's first-round victory. Supplied
"I shamelessly emailed her agent, her agent emailed me back and said, 'Yeah, we'd love you to come to the next match', so they've sent me a couple of free tickets, which is honestly very generous," he said.
"I didn't expect anything, of course.
"She's very charismatic, a great tennis player, a great athlete and very generous."
Raducanu's message for Bray reached millions of eyes and ears on social media.
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
"He can come to any match. I just need to try to locate him. I hope he comes back," Raducanu said following her first-round victory.
Suddenly, the hunt was on to find him.
Bray said his family and friends were quick to identify him online.
"I woke up to a lot of messages today, from friends, family, people I haven't talked to in years," he said.
"And they're like 'Mate, we're seeing you everywhere, it's on TikTok, it's on Instagram, it's on Facebook, everything.
"I'm like, 'OK, this is kind of weird, but also kind of cool – because I love the tennis. First and foremost, I'm a massive tennis fan, so any type of publicity I can get for the tennis, I'm all for it."
Raducanu's message for Bray went viral on social media and the hunt was on to find him. Getty
Bray christened the tennis superstar "Raddo" at Sunday evening's game – an all-Aussie nickname Raducanu appeared to be quite chuffed by.
Bray said his favourite tennis star embraced the nickname "like a champ".
"Being an Australian, we like to shorten people's names and create nicknames for every possible person," Bray laughed.
"I think Raddo is very appropriate, and she looks like she's on board."
His hopes are high for Raducanu to take home a second grand slam in Melbourne.
"I hope she goes all the way because I have got free tickets to the rest of her matches," he said proudly.
"So go Raddo, let's go, let's get her on board.
"All the Aussies, I expect you to get behind her because she's going all the way, let's go!"
