Emma Raducanu wins the US Open as British teenager beats Leylah Fernandez in straight sets at Flushing Meadows

Emma Raducanu made history on Saturday as she won the US Open women’s title – becoming the first British woman to win a grand slam singles title since Virginia Wade lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 1977.

The 18-year-old beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows to achieve the jaw-dropping success.

In achieving the incredible feat, the impressive Raducanu – who had to qualifying for the tournament – won the title without dropping a set in all of her 10 matches (three qualifying and seven proper).

She will take home £1.8million in prize money, rise to No 23 in the world rankings and will become the British No 1 on Monday.

Emma Raducanu in disbelief

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Raducanu said: ‘I’m still just so shocked, still in the moment. I can’t believe I came through that last service game. It honestly means absolutely everything to hold this trophy. I just don’t want to let go.

‘Yesterday and this morning there were a few weird feelings that I couldn’t put my finger on, I didn’t know what it was, but I think that’s just normal and when I came out on court I felt completely at home, business as usual, I was just focusing one point at a time.

‘I think the level was extremely high, both of us were playing unbelievable tennis. I had to fight really hard to cling onto that first set and then just keep my nose in front in the second.’

‘It means so much to have Virginia Wade here and also Tim Henman.

‘They are British icons and for me to follow in their footsteps gave me the belief I could do it.’

Raducanu was sitting her A-levels little more than three months ago having not played a competitive match for more than a year but she has burst onto the big stage like no-one before her.

Fernandez is only two months older having celebrated her 19th birthday earlier this week but the Canadian, who had claimed a host of big scalps, including defending champion Naomi Osaka, had no answer to the brilliance of Raducanu, who claimed a 6-4 6-3 victory in an hour and 51 minutes.

Her achievement is unprecedented. No qualifier had ever reached a slam final before, while she is the first woman ever to win a title in as few as two tournaments, and the youngest since Maria Sharapova triumphed at Wimbledon in 2004.

Contrasting fortunes for Fernandez

Fernandez fought back tears on the podium but could reflect on a superb tournament.

She said: ‘It’s incredible. I honestly have no idea what to say. Today’s going to be hard to recuperate but Emma played amazing so I congratulate Emma and your team.

‘I’m very proud of myself and the way I played these last two weeks and especially having the crowd. Thank you so much New York.’