Picture Credit: Twitter/@usopen
Britain's Emma Raducanu scripted history when she defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final of US Open Women’s Singles. The 18-year-old became the first British woman in 44 years to win a Slam singles title since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon 1977. The match was special in many ways. First of all, it was the first-ever women's Slam final between unseeded players. Secondly, Raducanu also became the youngest US Open champion since Williams in 1999.
Emma had a great start to the US Open as she defeated Shelby Rogers of US in the Round of 16 clash by 6-2, 6-1. She then defeated Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic (6-3, 6-4) in the quarterfinals and Maria Sakkari of Greece (6-1, 6-4) in the semi final clash. Then came the final showdown where she came at the top. The Arthur Ashe Stadium was lit up when Emma lifted the trophy.
There are so many things you should know about the second British woman to win US Open championship:
Name: Emma Raducanu
Age: 18 years
Born on: November 13, 2002
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height: 1.75m ( 5 ft 9 in approx.)
Profession: Tennis player
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Turned Pro: 2018
Coach: Andrew Richardson
Highest Ranking: 150
Current Ranking: 150
Achievements:
Emma finished her 2021 Wimbledon journey in the fourth round as she retired in the match against Ajla Tomljanović.
The Briton won the Women’s Singles title at the 2021 US Open Championship.
Early Life:
Emma Raducanu was born in 2002 in Canada to Ian and Renee. The family moved to England when Emma was two years of age. She attended Newstead Wood School, a selective grammar school in the London Borough of Bromley. Emma started playing tennis at the age of five. She considered Simona Halep and Li Na as her idols.
Raducanu turned professional in 2018. She made her WTA Tour main draw debut at the 2021 Nottingham Open on a wildcard entry.