British teenager Emma Raducanu has won her first ever grand slam title, defeating 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandes 6-4, 6-3, in straight sets, at the U.S. Open.
Leylah had an impressive run to the final, defeating last year’s champion Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Arynq Sabalenka but Raducanu made history as she became the first player, man or woman, ever to appear, and win, a grand slam after going through qualifiers.
This was just her second appearance in a grand slam. Raducanu, also, did not drop a single set throughout the tournament, making her fairytale run all the more impressive.
In a final hailed as the “Battle of Teenagers,” both women fought well and proved themselves as future stars of the sport; especially as they represent countries, the UK and Canada that are in need of female tennis stars.
The U.S. Open men’s final takes place on Sunday between Daniel Medvedev and Novak Djokovic, who is looking to become the first man since Rod Laver to win all four grand slams in the same calendar year.