Western Daily Press (Saturday)
There is no pressure on me, insists Raducanu
EMMA Raducanu stunned the tennis world yet again by reaching the US Open final after dismantling 17th seed Maria Sakkari in straight sets.
The Kent teenager becomes the first-ever qualifier – male or female – to make the final of any grand slam tournament following a sensational 6-1, 6-4 victory on Thursday night.
Tearing up the record books, Raducanu is also the first British woman to earn a place in a major final since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon back in 1977.
She is one match – against fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez at 9pm UK time this evening – away from becoming the first British female winner at Flushing Meadows since Wade in 1968.
Incredibly, she has not lost a set en route to the final and has dropped just 27 games in her six matches.
Two months after bursting onto the scene at Wimbledon, ranked 361st in the world, a month after receiving her A level results, and 13 days after entering qualifying in New York, the 18-year-old from Orpington stands on the brink of one of the most remarkable sporting achievements of all time.
Raducanu said on court after her victory over Sakkari: “Honestly, the time here in New York has gone so fast. I’ve just been taking care of each day and three weeks later I’m in final. I can’t actually believe it.
“I wasn’t thinking about anyone else except for myself. While I have the moment I want to thank my team and the LTA and everyone at home for all their support. Since I’ve been here, the first round of the quallies, I’ve had unbelievable support.”
As for her chances in the final? “Is there any expectation on me? I’m a qualifier, so technically there’s no pressure on me,” she added.
Striding into the vast Arthur Ashe Stadium looking for all the world as if she was about to knock up at Bromley Tennis Centre, Raducanu took immediate control of the biggest match of her short career.
She saved seven break points in her first two service games while breaking 26-year-old Sakkari to 15 to secure a 3-0 lead.
A change of skirt for Sakkari did not have the desired effect as she dropped serve again, and in the blink of an eye the first set had run away from the world number 18.
An early break in the second kept the Greek player at bay and only an extraordinary rally at break point prevented Raducanu from taking a 5-2 lead.
No matter. Two service holds and a delicious volley on match point later and Raducanu had completed the latest stride in her improbable march towards sporting immortality.
Tonight’s final against Fernandez is the first to feature two teenagers since 17-year-old Serena Williams beat 18-year-old Martina Hingis in 1999 – before either of this year’s finalists were born.
Fernandez, who beat Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to reach the final, said of her run: “I’m just having fun, I’m trying to produce something for the crowd to enjoy. I’m glad that whatever I’m doing on court, the fans are loving it and I’m loving it, too. We’ll say it’s magical.”