- Emma Raducanu def. Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3
- First qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title
- First British woman to win a Slam since Virginia Wade in 1977.
NEW YORK, USA – Emma Raducanu becomes the first British woman since Virginia Wade to win a Grand Slam, as she beat Leylah Fernandez in straight sets to win the US Open.
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Emma Raducanu def. Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3
History was made as Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam, when she beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, and did not drop a set through qualifying all the way to a final. Fernandez had spent longer on court in less matches, and arguably the toughest draw to get to the final, and Raducanu had barely been tested. The first few games took 23 minutes, and we were settling in for a massive battle, and we were not disappointed.
Raducanu got the quicker start, breaking Fernandez only to be broken back in two long strenuous games. From that point, the quality of the tennis from teenagers in their first Slam final was staggering, with Raducanu breaking for the first set on her fourth match point.
Fernandez was the first to break in the second set, but Raducanu responded immediately with a break back, breaking again for a 4-2 lead. There was more drama to come as two championship points came and went on the Fernandez serve, and when break point down while serving for the match, a long slide caused Raducanu to scrape the skin off her knee, requiring medical attention, a requirement for any injury that results in bleeding.
Everyone trying to kill joy by overreacting to the stoppage in play to stop the knee bleeding, just stop …. It’s not even Emma’s call. They will not allow active bleeding while on court. Had to be addressed. Out of her control. This match won’t be defined by that. Just stop
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 11, 2021
Fernandez was less than happy about the disruption as Raducanu had to resume, but fought back to convert on her third championship point, with an ace.
Fernandez: ‘I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years’
Speaking on court, Fernandez said: “I have no idea what to say. Today is going to be hard but Emma played amazing. Congratulations. I am very proud of myself and having the New York crowd has been amazing. Thank you so much New York. Thank you everyone.”
“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.”
Raducanu: ‘I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals’
“First of all, I really want to congratulate Leylah and her team, she played some incredible tennis and has beaten some of the top players in the world. The level was extremely high and I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals.
“As for this three weeks in New York, I would say having such a supportive team, the LTA my agent, and everyone back home watching on TV, thank you so much for your support over the years.
“Thank you for making me feel so at home from my first qualifying match, you have spurred me on in some difficult moments and I hope me and Leylah put on a good match today.”
Stars were quick to congratulate the newest Slam champion on the block
Congratulations to the new @usopen champion @EmmaRaducanu and runner-up @leylahfernandez for this fantastic tournament and for giving us high-level of tennis and contagious smiles 🇬🇧🇨🇦🙌👏🎾 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/n5DEf773is
— Gabriela Sabatini (@sabatinigabyok) September 11, 2021
EMMA RADUCANU BROUGHT IT HOMEEE 🇬🇧🏆#USOpen
— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) September 11, 2021
WHAT A SUPERSTAR @EmmaRaducanu 💫 absolutely incredible. History made!
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) September 11, 2021
@leylahfernandez i am certain your time will come!! You are absolutely brilliant 😘 #dubspartner
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) September 11, 2021
Extraordinary @EmmaRaducanu 👏
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) 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
Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu 👏👏👏
— Johanna Konta (@JohannaKonta) September 11, 2021
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