'Remarkable' Queen twist after Emma Raducanu's historic US Open win
Emma Raducanu's astonishing slice of history at the US Open has seen her praised all around the world and even the Queen has been getting in on the action.
The 18-year-old became the first qualifier in the history of the sport to lift the US Open trophy after a 6-4 6-3 win over fellow teenage sensation, Leylah Fernandez.
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Raducanu's victory saw her become Great Britain's first female grand slam winner in 44 years, following in the footsteps of Virginia Wade, who lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 1977.
Incredibly, the young Brit did not drop a set all tournament and throughout qualifying for the grand slam, winning an astonishing 20 straight sets on her way to lifting the trophy.
"I'm still just so shocked, still in the moment. I can't believe I came through that last service game. It honestly means absolutely everything to hold this trophy. I just don't want to let go. Raducanu told Amazon Prime Video.
Her phenomenal performances have captured the imagination of many who were quick to note their appreciation for her unprecedented feat.
Across Britain, her achievement was celebrated far and wide, with the 18-year-old even given a special shoutout from Queen Elizabeth II, who labelled it a "remarkable" feat from the tennis star.
"I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships," a message from The Queen to Raducanu read.
"It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.
"I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also among the many who took to social media to hail Britain's newest superstar.
'I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players.'
Read The Queen's message to @EmmaRaducanu in full: https://t.co/m5lxaH7kKi pic.twitter.com/aFSaCisDC0— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 11, 2021
Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. @LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 11, 2021
Emma Raducanu, an 18-year-old from Britain, becomes the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title. Takes the US Open with an ace to close out her 6-4 6-3 victory over Leylah Fernandez of Canada. Did not drop a set in 10 matches. One of the great tennis stories#getty pic.twitter.com/ytgG1Zf8W9
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) September 11, 2021
WOW. WOW. WOW. 🤯
🏆 Emma Raducanu is the #USOpen champion!!
🇬🇧 The first British woman to win a Grand Slam in 44 years
🆕 The first EVER qualifier to win a Grand Slam
🎾 She has beaten Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3
Listen to reaction on @BBCSounds ⤵️#bbctennis— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 11, 2021
Totally Rad 🤙
🇬🇧 @EmmaRaducanu completes her 𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸 run and is the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/duhDD0qTfB— wta (@WTA) September 11, 2021
What a glorious day for two remarkable young women. Yes, it may be ‘only’ sport, but in that ‘only’ there can be found so much of human joy, despair, glory, disappointment, wonder and hope. A brief flicker of light in a dark world. #EmmaRaducanu #LeylahFernandez #USOpenFinal
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) September 11, 2021
Couldn’t take my eyes off a single moment of that match. What skill, athleticism, courage and calmness under extreme pressure. Great fight from Fernandez but we hail a new champion and let’s savour the star Emma Raducanu. Wonderful #EmmaRaducanu #USOpen
— Clare Balding 💙 (@clarebalding) September 11, 2021
SHE DID IT!! A new British tennis star is born and her name is @EmmaRaducanu The new #USOpen women’s champion 🥳🥳🥳🥳 Emma Qualified and didn’t drop one set through the whole tournament, Amazing!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳
👇HISTORY MAKER👇#EmmaRaducanu 🏆 pic.twitter.com/iya5Iq9pr7— LynneG (@lynger2000) September 11, 2021
Congratulations on becoming the #USOpen champion, @EmmaRaducanu! 🏆
The Reds were right behind you 🙌🎾#MUFC | @LukeShaw23 pic.twitter.com/UWMPK2ssiS— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2021
Sporting world celebrates Emma Raducanu feat
Tim Henman, who reached the semi-finals of the US Open in 2004, had been a constant source of support for Raducanu courtside in New York and believes more titles will follow this debut win.
"What she has achieved, second grand slam and the way she has gone about it, she will win more of these, she is that good," he told Amazon Prime.
"This is not some flash in the pan or fairy tale. She is playing top five tennis.
"Her world will be turned upside down but she has good people around her and it will be a hell of a ride if she can stay injury free."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Toronto-born Raducanu, he wrote on Twitter: "What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu. You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you."
Four-time US Open winner Billie Jean King was present to watch Raducanu beat Fernandez in New York.
"What a terrific display of competition and maturity from two exceptional players. It is wonderful to see this generation living our dream," King tweeted.
Tennis great Martina Navratilova, an 18-time major champion, paid tribute to Raducanu and offered her commiserations to Fernandez on the loss.
"A star is born- Emma Raducanu makes history - never has a qualifier won a major- men or women- and she is just getting started," Navratilova tweeted.
"And will never have to qualify again:) Leylah Fernandez will be back -both are champions but Emma has the trophy- well done!!!"
Australian tennis legend Rod Laver added on Twitter: "Well done Emma Raducanu, the first of many duels with Leylah Fernandez. I've no doubt many more majors await for both of you. Another historic moment at the #USOpen - congratulations."
Soccer giants Manchester United tweeted: "Congratulations on becoming the #USOpen champion. The Reds were right behind you."
with AAP
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