Biggest test yet for Raducanu

Today’s quarter-final against Belinda Bencic will show whether Emma Raducanu is a genuine contender for the US Open title.

Such a notion would have seemed ridiculous when the 18-year-old from Kent began her qualifying campaign in New York two weeks ago but, with only eight women left, and Raducanu having steamrollered her way through the draw so far, it is now an extraordinary possibility.

Raducanu showed off her talents on the biggest stage in tennis on Monday, overcoming a nervous start to dismiss American Shelby Rogers 6-2 6-1.

Watching from the stands on Arthur Ashe Stadium was the last British woman to win a singles title in New York, Virginia Wade, who lifted the trophy back in 1968.

A touching moment saw Raducanu alerted to Wade’s presence in her on-court interview and react with joyful enthusiasm, describing the three-time grand slam singles champion as an “absolute legend”.

Speaking to ESPN after the match, Wade was effusive in her praise for Raducanu, hailing the teenager as the player to end her long reign as Britain’s last female winner of a slam singles title.

“She’s really good in all departments,” said Wade. “She serves great, her groundstrokes are fantastic, her concentration is good, physically she is strong – she really has it all. She is going to win grand slams, for sure.”

Raducanu said of her opponent: “She has a lot of experience on the tour. She’s in great form, having won Olympic gold. I’m also feeling good about my game, also confident with the amount of matches I’ve played. I feel like I’m building with each one. It will be an extremely difficult match.”