Emma Raducanu vs Leylah Fernandez LIVE result: Latest updates from US Open final
The 18-year-old is the first British woman to win a grand slam since Virginia Wade
Emma Raducanu has beaten Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open and complete one of the most remarkable and unlikely triumphs in British sporting history.
The 18-year-old becomes the first British woman to win a grand slam singles titles since Virginia Wade in 1977 and is the first qualifier, male or female, to win a grand slam title.
In a dramatic final which delivered tennis of the highest order, Raducanu prevailed 6-4, 6-3 to win the tournament without dropping a set in New York.
The Briton needed a medical timeout in the penultimate game of the match after grazing her knee, before coming back on court to hold her serve, sealing the win with an ace.
Follow all the reaction below after Emma Raducanu defeats Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open :
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez
A second double fault from Fernandez brings up a fifth break point of the game, but more brilliant defence from the 19-year-old sees Raducanu net under pressure.
A big serve from Fernandez earns her the game point as Raducanu can’t return.
Fernandez then misses a clear opportunity to win the game after sending Raducanu out wide, but she can’t keep her passing shot inside the tramlines!
Fernandez forces Raducanu wide again after another stunning rally between the players, and this time she keeps her volley in the court and Raducanu can’t reply.
Raducanu stays alive in the game as Fernandez goes long, as we approach the 10-minute mark in this game alone!
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez
Wow, what a start! Raducanu steps into a Fernandez second serve and rips a clean winner off her backhand across court.
That is followed by a tense double fault from Fernandez - Raducanu’s returns can have that effect on players.
A further error from Fernandez brings up three break points at 0-40!
Fernandez saves the first as Raducanu goes long, to loud applause in Arthur Ashe.
Fernandez then hits a forehand clean winner following a stunning rally - brilliant defence from the Canadian to overturn Raducanu’s fierce return.
Raducanu then hits a forehand wide on the third break point to bring up deuce - but she earns herself another opportunity after pushing Fernandez back and nailing the tough backhand volley.
Fernandez saves the break point with an ace, and on we go!
Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez*
Raducanu gets a first serve in to open the match but Fernandez wins the first point with a strong crosscourt backhand winner.
But Raducanu gets on the board as Fernandez nets on the next point.
Brilliant hitting from Raducanu sees the teenager push Fernandez back as she steps in to power a forehand winner past her opponent.
Fernandez cannot return a strong first-serve from Raducanu to bring up game point - but Raducanu nets on the next point.
But a brilliant backhand winner Raducanu sees her claim the opening hold! That will settle any nerves!
*Emma Raducanu 0-0 Leylah Fernandez
Raducanu won the toss and has elected to serve.
Here we go!
*denotes next server
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe is buzzing as the players begin their warm-ups. The temperature in New York is around 24 degrees, which is a lot cooler than some of the days at the tournament over the past two weeks.
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez are joined on court by Billie Jean King and her fellow members of the ‘Original Nine’.
King and the ‘Original Nine’ led the way in launching the women’s professional tour 50 years ago - and they stand for equality in women’s tennis and beyond.
Tonight’s final is a fitting matchup to honour their stand half a century ago.
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
Here comes Emma Raducanu! Before she takes to the court she first gives a quick pre-match interview.
Asked about her remarkable run over the past three weeks, she says: “I just believed in myself. I’ve been taking it one match at a time and it’s brought me to the final. It’s so exciting to be in a grand slam final and I can’t wait to get out there.”
There are huge cheers as the players are introduced out on court. Raducanu looks as relaxed as ever. What an occasion this is.
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
Tonight’s US Open final is taking place on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Before the final begins, a ceremony will take place to commemorate the lives that were lost.
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
Emma Raducanu’s in-the-moment mindset is one of the biggest reasons behind her remarkable run to the US Open final.
The teenager has taken her journey one match at a time, and it’s an approach that she will bring with her into the biggest match of her life tonight.
“Honestly right now I’m just thinking of the game plan, how to execute,” she said. “That’s what’s landed me in this situation. It hasn’t been focusing on who’s expected to win this match or that one.
“I think it’s just taking care of the day. That’s what I’m doing quite well at the moment.”
US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez
Sadly, Emma Raducanu’s parents, Ian and Renee, have not been able to watch their daughter advance to the US Open final. They’ve been unable to travel to the US as it currently requires a special exemption visa, which can prove a complex and bureaucratic business to acquire.
It does sound like they could be making more of an effort when it comes to staying in touch, however, having “ghosted” Emma after she beat Shelby Rogers in the quarter-final.
“I’ve got quite a lot of messages from my school friends,” Raducanu said. “It’s really nice that we’re still in contact even though we’ve left. I mean, it was quite a short time ago.
“[But] my parents actually, like, ghosted me after the match,” she laughed. “I texted them, but they didn’t reply even though they were online! Yeah, that meant something.”
Here’s more:
Why Emma Raducanu’s parents won’t be at the US Open final
Covid-related visa complications keep teen sensation’s family at home but she is surrounded by capable coaching staff across the Atlantic
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments