US Open: History Beckons for Raducanu, Fernandez

Britain’s Emma Raducanu continued to rewrite the history books as she became the first qualifier ever to make a Grand Slam final, sweeping into today’s US Open final where she will play fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez.

The 18-year-old qualifier from Kent defeated Greek 17th seed Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-4 to set up the first all-teen final at the US Open since 1999, before either was born, when a 17-year-old Serena Williams beat an 18-year-old Martina Hingis.
Raducanu had only just sat for her A-Levels when she reached Wimbledon’s fourth round in July, but she has exceeded all expectations by storming into the final at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set – winning 18 consecutively and dropping just 27 games in her six main draw matches.

She said on court: “Honestly, the time here in New York has gone so fast. I’ve just been taking care of each day and three weeks later I’m in the 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 qualifiers, 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.

Despite causing a massive upset to knock out reigning Olympic champion Belinda Bencic in the last round, going up against experienced Sakkari was expected to be her toughest test yet under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on primetime TV in the States.

The fast-rising star, who will be installed as British No 1 next week, took advantage of a nervy start from Sakkari to surge through the opening three games, with one of the heaviest hitters on the WTA Tour failing to take any of her seven break-point chances.

The opening set was turning into a nightmare for Sakkari when she double-faulted to put Raducanu in total command, with the possibility of a bagel set. But the Greek, who came one point away from reaching her first Slam final at the French Open before losing it to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova, held serve in the sixth game to get on the board.