Go and create history, Wade tells young star

think she’s one of those. I cannot tell you how exciting it is.”

Raducanu, 18, who has already ripped up the record books by becoming the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final, is oozing confidence ahead of the showdown with the teenager she beat at junior Wimbledon in 2018.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wade, below, whose Wimbledon victory in 1977 remains the last time a British woman secured a major singles title, added: “We have been waiting such a long time for a British player on the women’s side to really come through.

“Every time you watch her you think she’s going to win every point out there.

“You don’t even get that nervous. It is remarkable.”

The 76-year-old Wade made the short trip across to Flushing Meadows from her Long Island home in New York for

Raducanu’s semi-final demolition of Greece’s Maria Sakkari – and is in no doubt that the UK has a new tennis superstar to cherish.

“She’s stopping all her opponents in their tracks,” said Wade. “She’s got an incredible future ahead of her.

“If it doesn’t happen on Saturday, it’s going to happen sooner or later because she is really good.”

Raducanu admits she cannot wait to get back out under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium for the final against Fernandez tonight.

Asked how she would describe the best three weeks of her life, the Kent teenager said: “A surprise. Honestly, I just can’t believe it.

“A shock. Crazy.All of the above.

“But it means a lot to be here in this situation.

“I wanted to be playing Grand Slams but I didn’t know how soon that would be.

“To be in a Grand Slam final at this stage of my career, yeah, I have no words.”