BRIT ON A FAIRYTALE RUN

EMMA Raducanu, an 18year-old British qualifier, is living a US Open dream.

Raducanu, ranked 150th, became the first qualifier to reach the US Open women’s semi-finals on Thursday by defeating Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

She’s only the fourth qualifier in grand slam history to reach the semi-finals, but Raducanu still resists comparisons to such stars as Naomi Osaka.

“I think to compare yourself and your results against anyone is probably like the thief of happiness,” Raducanu said. “I didn’t compete for 18 months, but here I am and it just shows that if you believe in yourself, then anything is possible.”

Raducanu can become the first qualifier to reach a grand slam final, and from there a trophy is only one step away.