Britain’s Emma Raducanu on Saturday created history by beating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. Raducanu has become the first qualifier in the Open era to win a Grand Slam final
The British teen sensation did not drop a set on her way to the glory. Raducanu has become the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles crown since Virginia Wade 44 years ago.
18-year-old Raducanu’s juggernaut at the US Open has assumed folkloric proportions given that she had to play three qualifying matches to be able to play in this year’s US Open. The ruthlessness of her game can be gauged from the fact that she has not dropped a set in any of her nine matches at Flushing Meadows.
Raducanu had reached the last 16 stage of this year’s Wimbledon, catapulting to her instant stardom. The British player had a world ranking of 150 going into the US Open.
This was only the eighth time that two teenagers were fighting each other for a Grand Slam glory in the Open era. The last time two teenagers locked horns in women singles final was in 1999 between Serena Williams and Martina Hingis.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, “What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu Flag of United Kingdom
You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.”
Fernandez was inconsolable as she cried bitterly for losing to Raducanu.She later congratulated her British opponent for her maiden Grand Slam glory. The Canadian teen sensation also said that she hoped to become as resilient as the people of New York have been since the 9/11 terror attacks.
“I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the US. I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years. I love you New York and hope to see you next year,” she said.
Raducanu also congratulated Fernandez for her incredible fortnight at the US Open, adding that she hoped to face the Canadian star more often in the future. She said that Fernandez was always going to be a great competitor. Raducanu was presented with $2.5 million prize money and the US Open trophy.
She said, “It shows the future of women’s tennis and depth of the game is so great, every player in the draw has a shot at winning any tournament, I hope the next generation can follow in the steps of some of the legends, for example Billie Jean right here.
“It means so much to have Virginia Wade here and also Tim Henman, British icons and for me to follow in their footsteps… it gave me the belief I could do it.”