Britain’s Emma Raducanu completed a Grand Slam fairytale on Saturday by beating Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 in the clash of the teens to be crowned US Open champion.
It was a victory that required blood, sweat and in the end a few tears as the 18-year-old became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title and the first British woman to hoist a major trophy since Virginia Wade, who was watching from courtside, triumphed at Wimbledon in 1977.
Wade has been in New York cheering from courtside seats while an infatuated Britain gathered around televisions and held its collective breath on Saturday as the teenager played out a Hollywood ending on an improbable script.
Raducanu’s win received the royal stamp of approval with Queen Elizabeth taking to Twitter to offer congratulations along with other members of the royal family.
Canadian-born Raducanu, who will shoot up from 150th to No.23 in the world rankings today, says: “It’s an absolute dream.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning a Grand Slam.”
Novak Djokovic faced Daniil Medvedev in the men’s final last night.
STEVE KEATING | [email protected]