Emma Raducanu gave a sensational performance at the US Open.
After making her sensational Wimbledon debut in June, British teen queen of the court Emma Raducanu has become the first ever qualifier (male or female) to win a Grand Slam championship, having beaten Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3
In claiming US Open glory, the 18-year-old from Bromley became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since Virginia Wade’s triumph at Wimbledon in 1977, a staggering 44 years ago. Raducanu wowed fans throughout the tournament with her explosive hitting, cool demeanour, fearless attitude, ruthless tactics and a smile that could light up any stadium. The young Brit was more than deserving of her win, not even dropping a single set on route to victory.
Raducanu’s meteoric rise will also see her surpass Heather Watson and Jo Konta to become British Number 1 and see her break into the world’s top 50 for the first time – an incredible achievement given that the US Open was only her 2nd Grand Slam tournament in her career! Here just a few other keys stats that make Raducanu’s run at the US Open even more unprecedented and astounding:
- She was the youngest British Grand Slam finalist in 62 years
- She was the first British woman to win the US Open final in 53 years, the first since Virginia Wade defeated Billie Jean King in 1968
- Her current record in Grand Slams (2 played) is better than that of American tennis icons and former teen sensations Jennifer Capriati and Monica Seles
- The final against Leylah Fernandez was the first time two teenagers had contested the US Open final since Serena Williams defeated Martina Hingis in 1999
- On her run to the US Open final not only did she defeat Shelby Rogers, the conqueror of world number 1 and favourite Ash Barty, Raducanu also defeated former world number 4 and freshly crowned Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
- Raducanu also only finished her A-Levels in summer 2021 after Wimbledon! She achieved an A* in Maths and an A in economics, proving she’s just as talented academically as she is with a tennis racket
After the Grand Slam winning success of Sue Barker and Virginia Wade in the 70’s, British women’s tennis has been in much need of a new poster girl and with the rise of Raducanu, Emma fever has hit the UK with the likes of Kate Middleton, Liam Gallagher and Marcus Rashford all showing their support through social media.
Andy Murray did wonders for the game in the UK and British tennis fans are now very fortunate to have a new superstar to cheer. Speaking of cheering, you can do exactly that by securing your place at Wimbledon 2022 with a VIP hospitality experience! The only way to beat the ballot is through VIP hospitality, so make sure you’re there to see the new Queen of British tennis return to Wimbledon next summer.
