Fairytale in New York is a dream come true for teenager Raducanu
Emma Raducanu says she does not want to let go of the US Open trophy after her fairy tale in New York culminated in the ultimate happy ending.
The 18-year-old is the first British woman in 44 years to win a Grand Slam singles title and did not drop a set on her way to the trophy. She is also the first qualifier to win a major title.
“It means everything to hold this trophy and I don't want to let go right now," she told former British number one Tim Henman on Amazon Prime. “Yesterday there were weird feelings I couldn't put my finger on – I think that's just normal. When I came out it was business as usual, one point at a time. “I had to fight hard for that first set and keep myself ahead in the second. In the key moments, I came out with some clutch serves.”
Her sensational run at
Flushing Meadows has captured the imagination of the public and she hopes her victoryallowsotherstodreambig.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning a Grand Slam,” she said. “You say these things, but tohavethebeliefIdidandactually winning, I can't believe it.
“I first started when I was a littlegirl,butIthinkthebiggest thing you have visions of is the winning moment and going to celebrate with your team, trying to find your way up to the
box. That’s been playing in my head, like, a couple of nights. I've fallen asleep to that.”
The win over Canada’s LeylahFernandezcapsaremarkableriseforRaducanu,whoonly made her WTA main draw debut in June. She was playing in just her second Grand Slam, having reached the fourth roundofWimbledonasawildcard earlier this year.
Raducanu is the youngest female major champion since MariaSharapovawonWimbledon in 2004, aged 17, and the youngest Briton ever to win a Slam title.
“It shows the future of women's tennis and depth of thegameissogreat,”shesaidin her on-court interview, “every player in the draw has a shot at winning any tournament.
“I hope the next generation can follow in the steps of some of the legends.”
Raducanurecoveredfroma nastyfallat5-3whilesheserved forthematch,savingtwobreak points from the relentless Fernandez before converting her third championship point.
“Ifellsomehowandthought that would throw me off balance,” she said. “I was praying not for a double fault. The level was extremely high and I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals.”