Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernadez have set up an all-teenager US Open women’s final after continuing their stunning runs at Flushing Meadows.
The 18-year-old Raducanu from Britain beat No.7 seed Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-4 in their semi-final on Thursday, becoming the first player to come through qualifying to reach a grand slam final in the professional era.
She will play Canada’s Fernandez, who turned 19 Monday and edged second seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-4 in her semi to reach Saturday’s title decider.
If Raducanu wins, she will be the youngest grand slam champion since Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 at 17.
Tearing up the record books, Raducanu is now the first British woman to reach a major final since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977.
Two months after bursting onto the scene at Wimbledon ranked 361st in the world, a month after receiving her A level results, and 13 days after entering qualifying in New York, the 18-year-old stands on the brink of one of the most remarkable sporting achievements of all time.
“Honestly the time here in New York has gone so fast,” said Raducanu.
“I’ve just been taking care of each day and three weeks later I’m in final. I can’t actually believe it.
“Today I wasn’t thinking about anyone else except for myself. While I have the moment I want to thank my team and the LTA and everyone at home for all their support.
“Since I’ve been here from the first round of the quallies I’ve had unbelievable support.”
As for her chances in the final? “Is there any expectation? I’m a qualifier so technically there’s no pressure on me,” she added.
Fernandez will become the second 19-year-old Canadian to play in the women’s final in Flushing Meadows in three years after Bianca Andreescu, who won the title in 2019.
The win over Sabalenka was the 73rd-ranked Fernandez’s fourth consecutive three-set victory over a seeded opponent. First came No. 3 Naomi Osaka, the 2018 and 2020 U.S. Open champion. Then came No. 16 Angelique Kerber, the 2016 champion. That was followed by No. 5 Elina Svitolina.
“That’s years and years and years of hard work and tears and blood,” said Fernandez. “Everything. On court, off court. Sacrifices.”
David Shilovsky
Expert
Yeah just the main feed and one or two other courts. Surely if Nine can manage to stream every court for free for the Aus Open (I believe this is changing for 2022, however, with the outside courts moving to Stan), a paid sub should let you watch every match of a major.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Great for Raducanu and Fernandez. Both appear to be fearless - so far. I’m sorry that Ash Barty is out, apart from the obvious reasons. I’d like to see how either of these 2 finalists handles an opponent who presents them with variety. Maria Sakkari’s response, when hitting hard and deep didn’t work against Raducanu was to try to hit harder. Emma Raducanu was thriving on the pace. I’d like to know how she would respond to a variety of topspins, slices, angles and patience. Not sure about Fernandez as I’ve only seen a few games of her matches. Not really happy with Kayo’s coverage - not much covered compared to Stan’s coverage of Wimbledon.
Avatar
Roar Guru
That is not possible this time, because Alexander Zverev, who faces Novak Djokovic in the men's semis tomorrow morning (AEST), is 24. But yes, it would be nice if we could have two teens facing off in a men's Major final one day. If my memory serves me well, Rafa (2005 French Open) was the last male teenager to reach a Major final, let alone win one, when he beat Mariano Puerta to win the first of his 20 Major titles.
David Shilovsky
Expert
Love it. Now for the men's side to have two teenagers in a major final.
JGK
Roar Guru
Wow. Good on them. They’ve been much tougher than their higher ranked opponents all tournament.