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18-Year-Old Champion Emma Raducanu Makes Tennis History At US Open

The overnight sensation took the world by storm after beating Canadian teen Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open Winner of 2021.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the US Open winner's trophy after her victory over Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the final of the women's singles of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)

With her straight-set victory, Emma Raducanu is tipped to be the highest-earning female sports star of all time.

Since her record-breaking weekend, 18-year-old Raducanu returned home to Bromley, Kent. She was met by her doting father who unfortunately couldn’t cheer her on from the stands at New York’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center [due to travel restrictions].

The overnight sensation took the world by storm after beating Canadian teen Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open Winner of 2021. As close as it was between the teen titans, Raducanu managed to pip Fernandez to the post in the final round.

‘Emma Raducanu’ Trademarked

Today’s news reported that UK-based lawyer, Anthony Brierley, applied to trademark the name ‘Emma Raducanu’ soon after her win. He also applied for trademarks of the names ‘Emma’ and ‘Raducanu’ seperately.

It’s been predicted that Raducanu will be the first sporting woman in history to reach a net-worth of $1billion. Sporting brands are in awe of her already as she’s the hot ticket. Big-name brands may soon be offering her tens of millions in exchange for endorsements.

Emma, born in Canada to a Romanian father and Chinese mother, was raised in England from the age of two. In a recent interview, she spoke of her parents as being her “toughest critics” and the reason behind her “self-belief”.

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It was also revealed that her father, Ian Raducanu, is the reason behind her tennis success. Pictures surfaced online of Emma holding a trophy after winning an under-18s tournament at just 12 years old.

Emma credited her mother, Renee, for raising her to have a thick skin, and taught her the value of self-worth; both of which go hand-in-hand where fame and fortune are concerned. Apparently, China is trying to claim her as their own, since news of her win spread like wildfire!

From A-Levels to A-Lister

Raducanu celebrated victory by rubbing shoulders with A-Listers at the Met Gala, albeit socially distantly. She also took advantage of a quick trip to the New York Stock Exchange (a nod to her parents who work in finance).

Her Majesty the Queen of England was one of the first to offer her congratulations in a letter to Raducanu, which reads:

“I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age and is testament to your hard work and dedication.

“I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”

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Speaking of the letter, Raducanu said she’s going to frame it.

Other tennis pros wrote in support of Emma:

“A star is born- Emma Raducanu makes history – never has a qualifier won a major – men or women – and she is just getting started. And will never have to qualify again.

“Leylah Fernandez will be back -both are champions but Emma has the trophy- well done!!!” – 18-Time Grand Slam Singles Winner, Martina Navratilova

“What a terrific display of competition & maturity from two exceptional players. It is wonderful to see this generation living our dream. I can’t remember a #USOpen with better crowd support. Thank you, NY, the greatest fans in the world.

“And congratulations, Emma!” – 12-Time Grand Slam Singles Winner, Billie Jean King

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“Well done Emma Raducanu, the first of many duels with Leylah Fernandez. I’ve no doubt many more majors await for both of you. Another historic moment at the #USOpen – congratulations.” – 11-Time Grand Slam Winner, Rod Laver

British tennis stars Tim Henmen and Andy Murray also commended the star for her stunning win.

Emma Raducanu, World-Record Breaker and Tennis Queen

Her performance at the US Open is a far cry from her appearance at Wimbledon where her match was cut short because she experienced breathing difficulties. It just wasn’t her time then! However, she was destined to come back fighting and take home a trophy, and so she did…

Let’s discuss the records Emma Raducanu has broken, shall we?

1) Emma Raducanu is the youngest woman to ever win a major tournament since Maria Sharpova in the 2004 Wimbledon.

2) She’s the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title.

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3) Raducanu is the second woman since Bianca Andreescu to win the US Open title on her debut at a Grand Slam.

4) Emma is the fifth player in Open Era to reach the semi-finals of the US Open on their debut.

5) She broke the 53-year curse of a women’s singles title at the US Open since Virginia Wade won the 1968 US Open title, which happened to be the first US Open tournament of the Open Era.

6) Raducanu is the first British woman to win a Grand Slam title since Virginia Wade’s victory at the 1977 Wimbledon Championships, who was the first woman Grand Slam winner in 44 years.

7) Emma is the first British US Open champion since Andy Murray won the Grand Slam in 2012.

8) She is the first woman in the Open Era to win her first Slam in fewer than 4 major appearances as she played in the main draw of her 2nd major competition, and both were Grand Slams (2021 Wimbledon and 2021 US Open).

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It’s fair to point out that no-one took more than five games off Emma Raducanu in a set, an event that has only happened once in the second round of qualifying.

Another fun fact: Emma had not played a Top-40 opponent before coming to New York… When she did, she won. Wow. Keep up the good work, Emma!

Emma Raducanu Spends Her US Open Winnings on AirPods

In response to a question about what she’ll do with the $2.5m prize money, the down-to-earth British beauty joked that she’ll use some of it to buy a new pair of Apple AirPods: “There’s a running joke in my team because before my first round qualifying match I lost my AirPods and I was basically running around the changing room like three minutes before my call to go on trying to find it but I lost it.”

If that’s still the case, I’m pretty sure she’s now donning diamond encrusted and gold plated AirPods… Because with winnings of $2.5m, why not?

The world wishes Emma Raducanu the best of luck in future tournaments and believes that she’s got what it takes to go far!

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Miamii Mansour
Written By

Staff writer covering top stories, current events, tech news, fashion, and culture.

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