Emma Raducanu says she does not want to let go of the US Open trophy after her fairytale in New York culminated in the ultimate happy ending.
The 18-year-old is the first British woman in 44 years to win a tennis Grand Slam singles title and did not drop a set, defeating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3.
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 victory allows others to dream big.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning a Grand Slam. You just say these things. But to have the belief I did, and actually winning, I can’t believe it,” she said.
“I first started when I was a little girl, but I think the biggest thing that 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 victory over Fernandez caps a remarkable rise for Raducanu, who only made her WTA main draw debut in June.
She was playing in just her second Grand Slam, having reached the fourth round of Wimbledon as a wildcard earlier this year.
Raducanu is the youngest female major champion since Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 and the youngest Briton ever to win a Slam title. (BBC)
