Emma Raducanu has won the US Open

Raducanu, the first British female to win a tennis Grand Slam in 44 years, claimed the US Open, beating Leylah Fernandez in a thrilling final.

The 18-year-old beat her Canadian opponent in straight sets 6-4 6-3.

The pair met at Flushing Meadows in the first all-teenage grand slam final for more than 20 years.

The Queen sent a message to Emma Raducanu, telling her: “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 wishes to you and your many supporters.”

Raducanu’s home tennis club erupted in cheers and applause as she won the title.

Suzanne Williams, Strength and Conditioning coach for Emma Raducanu aged 8-12 at the Parklangley Club in Beckenham, where Emma trained from age 6

Her former coach and former strength and conditioning trainer were both very emotional when she won, holding back tears.

Both described the win as “unbelievable” but said they never doubted her for a second.

Raducanu smiled a wide grin as she was announced as the champion to loud cheers from the crowd.

“First of all I really want to congratulate Leylah and her team on an incredible fortnight,” said the 18-year-old.

“She played some incredible tennis and has beaten some of the best players in the world. It was an incredibly difficult match but I thought the level was extremely high and I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals.

“As for the three weeks I’ve spent in New York I would say having such a supportive team as I have over there – my coach, Will (Herbert) the physio, my agent, the LTA, everybody in that team and everybody at home who isn’t here but watching on TV, thank you so much for all your support over the years.

“Most of all I would say thank you to everyone here, New York, thank you all for making me feel so at home from my first qualifying match all the way to the final.

“I love playing in front of you and you’ve really spurred me on in some very difficult moments and I hope that me and Leylah put on a good performance today.”

The Twitter account for England’s national football teams described the feat as an “incredible achievement” and congratulated Raducanu.

Three Lions and Liverpool player Jordan Henderson also called the victory “incredible” online.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “What a winner. A true British hero. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on an inspirational win. From qualifier to champion without dropping a set. A phenomenal achievement.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: “Just awesome: Emma Radacanu, what a fantastic achievement.”

Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong described Raducanu’s victory as one of the greatest sporting achievements ever after she became the first qualifier to ever win a grand slam.

“It still feels so surreal – that was just an incredible performance from Emma, and from Leylah,” she told Amazon Prime.

“A really high-quality tennis match from two teenagers, but honestly I never thought I would see a British female lift a grand slam trophy in my lifetime. I can’t put it into words how huge this is.

“This is perhaps one of the greatest sporting achievements ever. I am so happy for her and the way she has done it, to not drop a set in the whole tournament, it is not normal and is unheard of.”

TV presenter Piers Morgan called Raducanu a “champion” and said her victory was “one of the greatest achievements in British sporting history”.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called Raducanu “a star, a role model and a champion”.

Watching from the stands was Virginia Wade, the last British woman to win both the US Open and a grand slam singles title more than 40 years ago.

Wade applauded Raducanu with a smile to match the teenager’s, while Tim Henman, working for TV courtside, struggled to control his emotions.

“It means so much to have Virginia here and also Tim,” said Raducanu before receiving the trophy from King.

“Just to have such British legends and icons for me to follow in their footsteps, it definitely helps and gave me the belief that I could actually do it.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Twitter account posted in a tweet signed C for Catherine: “Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. @LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C.”

Princess Beatrice of York offered Raducanu her congratulations for a “remarkable game of tennis and what a journey over these last three weeks”.

The royal added: “Thank you for inspiring us with your smiles and joy on the court.”

Comedian Jimmy Carr tweeted that the match had been “played beautifully”, adding: “I think it’s OK I shed a tear.”

Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said Raducanu’s multicultural background should serve as a reminder that “being British can comprise a real mix”.

“It’s why we must be an open and welcoming country,” Dr Allin-Khan added on Twitter.

Pop group the Spice Girls congratulated Raducanu and her opponent, Leylah Fernandez, for achieving “Girl Power right there”.

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