Victory for Emma Raducanu! ‘Shocked’ tennis ace, 18, is first British woman to win major in 44 years

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Emma Raducanu won the US Open last night, saying she was ‘shocked’ as she made history in a thrilling final to become the first British woman to take a Grand Slam title in 44 years. 

The 18-year-old from Kent fell to the ground and put her hands over her face after beating the 19-year-old Canadian 6-4, 6-3, in front of an enthralled Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.

Raducanu, who was sitting her A-levels earlier this year, became the first Brit to win a major since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977 and is the first qualifier to triumph in Grand Slam, in either the men’s or women’s game.  

Life will never be the same again for the teenager as she claims a £1.8 million cheque – more than her entire career winnings to date – and soars up the rankings from 150 to 23. 

‘I’m still just so shocked, still in the moment,’ Raducanu said afterwards. ‘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.’ 

Millions back home were watching, including the Queen who sent a letter from Balmoral, writing: ‘It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.’ 

She was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who hailed her ‘stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory!’

Boris Johnson said ‘we are all hugely proud of you’ as he praised Raducanu’s ‘extraordinary skill, poise and guts.’  

Tennis pundits heralded the victory as not simply an historic triumph for a British player, but as a landmark victory for the sport.

‘It’s a miracle’ said former Wimbledon champion Chris Evert. ‘This is a kid no one had ever heard of until a couple of weeks ago. Now she’s the biggest name in sport. She’s stolen all our hearts.’ 

After her victory, Raducanu planted a kiss on the silver trophy and beamed at the adoring 24,000 fans inside the Arthur Ashe.

The Briton said: ‘Thank you to everyone here in New York for making me feel so at home from my first qualifying match all the way through to the finals. Leylah’s always going to play great tennis and always going to fight… I knew I had to dig deep.

‘I think it shows that the future of women’s tennis – and just the depth of the game right now – is so great. I think every single player in the women’s draw definitely has a shot of winning at any tournament.

‘I hope that the next generation can follow in the steps of some of the greatest legends’, she added, naming Billie Jean King, who presented her with the trophy. 

The first set was a nail-biter, with the games toing and froing from deuce to advantage and back to deuce again as the teenagers played fearless high-speed rallies from the baseline.

But in the second set, Fernandez’s wayward serving let her down and Raducanu was able to turn the screw as she was handed freebies from the double faults. 

The final game was fraught with controversy as Raducanu took time out for treatment after grazing her knee with the score poised at 30-40.

Fernandez furiously remonstrated with the umpire, complaining that the Briton was slowing the game down while she was on a roll.

Raducanu was unfazed as she returned to the court with a patch over her knee and the game continued to yet another deuce before the Brit lashed down a ferocious ace on her third match point.  

Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong described Raducanu’s victory as one of the greatest sporting achievements ever.

‘It still feels so surreal – that was just an incredible performance from Emma, and from Leylah,’ she said.

‘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.’

Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in only her second WTA tournament but stepped up her level in New York.

Keothavong added: ‘She has shown us all she is made for the big stage. It is just an unbelievable achievement and her life will be very different from now onwards. She has the ability to be right up there at the top of the women’s game and dominate. Really, the future is looking more than bright.’

Back in Beckenham at Raducanu’s old tennis club the atmosphere was electric throughout as a crowd gathered for a live screening of the match.  

Those watching were optimistic, with cheers and applause erupting every time Raducanu won a point, and even louder when she took the lead.

Harry Bushnell, who coached Raducanu from the age of six to 10, said: ‘I think it’s a testament to her because she’s such a pleasant person, on and off the court, and I think that’s why so many people are getting behind her and certainly here at the club.

‘Parklangley club will always be behind her every step of the way.’

Raducanu, 18, is the first qualifier to reach a slam final and is bidding to become the first British woman to win one of the sport’s biggest trophies since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Suzanne Williams, her former strength and conditioning coach, said: ‘It’s absolutely incredible just to see her develop and become this player when I knew her when she was so young, from eight to 12 years old.

‘Of course you could see there was some incredible potential there but to see her on the screen in this environment is incredible.’

She added: ‘The sky is the limit, she’s still not reached her full potential, she didn’t play for months because of her A-Levels so she’s got so much left in the tank.’

Speaking just before walking on court, Raducanu said: ‘The time has flown here in New York. I’ve just been taking it one match at a time and it has got me to the final. 

‘I’m going to go out there and enjoy it today. It’s so exciting in my second grand slam to be in the final. I can’t really believe it but I can’t wait to get stuck in. I’m sure the crowd will be great so it will be a really positive experience.’

Those at the club in Beckenham hailed Raducanu as an inspiration to the younger players and beyond.

Ms Williams said: ‘For girls to know that it is in their reach because they’re at the same place she was, it doesn’t feel too far removed from them, it’s just incredible for them to get this role model.’

Speaking about other children playing at the club, she said: ‘They are just pushing themselves a lot harder and want to do a lot more, they are trying to do a few more things at the gym, it’s really exciting.’ 

Not since Ms Wade lifted her most famous title at Wimbledon in 1977 has a British woman reaches these heights. 

That the player to achieve the feat is an 18-year-old taking her first real steps in the professional game makes this one of the most extraordinary stories in all sport. 

Ms Wade – who was in New York to watch the match tonight – called Raducanu the ‘real thing’.

She told ITV this week: ‘I can’t tell you how exciting it is. 

‘We’ve been waiting such a long time for a British player on the women’s side to really come through. Every time you watch her you think she’s going to win every point out there. You don’t even get that nervous. It was remarkable.

‘I’m sure she is the real thing, you don’t get someone head and shoulders above that often and I think she’s one of those.

‘She’s stopping all her opponents in their tracks and she’s got an incredible future ahead of her. If it doesn’t happen on Saturday (win a grand slam) it’s going to happen sooner or later because she is really good.’ 

Fernandez is just two months older than Raducanu and the pair have known each other since they competed at under-12 level.

‘We first encountered each other because I was born in Toronto and she was Canadian, so we kind of made a little relationship back then,’ said Raducanu, who won their only previous meeting in the girls’ singles at Wimbledon three years ago.

‘Obviously since then we’ve both come very far in our games and as people. I’m sure it’s going to be extremely different to when we last encountered each other. But we’re both playing good tennis so it will be a good match.’

The pair share an immigrant background. Raducanu, who moved to the UK when she was two, has a Romanian father and Chinese mother while Fernandez has Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Filipino heritage.

The Canadian is coached by her father Jorge, who believes the final is a significant moment for the women’s game.

The former footballer said before the match: ‘I see they’re both bringing a type of game that is not common right now on the circuit.

‘I see that they bring a flair that is very unique for them. I’m glad that they’re touching the Asian community. I think that’s a huge opportunity in the women’s game.

‘I think it’s just positive for the game. Obviously I want Leylah to win. That goes without saying. But I just think that the match-up and what we’re seeing, those two ladies are touching a lot of young girls.

‘I’m getting messages about, ‘Please pass this to Leylah’, little girls saying, ‘You’re making us believe’. This can only be good for the tennis game and the WTA altogether.’ 

£100MILLION girl Emma: Historic place in US Open final set to make 18-year-old one of world’s richest sporting stars  

By Scarlet Howes and Abul Taher for The Mail on Sunday 

Barely out of school, Emma Raducanu is tipped to earn £100 million, win Sports Personality of the Year – and maybe even get an honour from the Queen.

Even before she stepped foot on court last night in the US Open final, the 18-year-old had made modern sporting history, becoming the first British woman to reach a grand slam single finals in 44 years.

Her fairy tale in New York has buoyed a pandemic-weary nation and is the icing on the cake for the prodigious Kent teenager, still celebrating her recent A* in maths and A in economics for her A-levels.

Last night, bookmakers William Hill said Emma was 10-11 favourite to become the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which will be announced in December.

It would be a remarkable feat in an Olympic year to beat gold medallists such as Tom Daley and Adam Peaty, but the possibility reflects her stratospheric rise since entering this summer’s Wimbledon as a virtual unknown.

If she wins, Emma would become the second youngest person to lift the BBC trophy, after Scottish swimmer Ian Black who won the prize in 1958 at the age of 17. Betfred put her at 4-6 odds-on favourite to win the gong, ahead of Daley at 9-4 and Peaty at 8-1.

William Hill have also given her 10-1 odds to get an honour from the Queen – and she certainly has royal support, with Prince William and Kate cheering her on at home. Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the bookmakers, said: ‘I think the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is possible because it celebrates outstanding achievement in sport, which is what she has done already. The fact she is a woman helps, as she will get a lot of female votes as well.

‘In terms of the Queen’s honours, it may be a bit early in her career, but it is possible, if the stars align. You never know, the Government may fancy a really good feel-good story. But it may be like an OBE and not a damehood.’

Until this summer, Emma was ranked outside the top 300 players and had earned just £30,000 in winnings before gaining her wildcard entry at Wimbledon – where she got to the final 16.

Now in demand, she has been interviewed in Vogue magazine and says she has overcome her initial shyness to find her confidence.

Ahead of last night, when the nation came to a halt to watch her take on Leylah Fernandez at Flushing Meadows, she was already guaranteed £900,000 even if she lost – but experts say that is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. 

Brand expert Jonathan Shalit, chairman of the InterTalent Group, said a huge range of companies will now want to sign her up to advertise their brands, adding: ‘I would say that she has the potential to earn £100 million over the next five years if she keeps winning.

‘She is completely fresh and new, she is gorgeous and always happy, which is what we are all looking for as we come out of the pandemic.’

Born in Toronto to a Chinese mother and Romanian father, Emma Raducanu – or Radders to her friends – has a broad appeal according to experts and could easily eclipse Naomi Osaka, currently the world’s highest-earning female athlete, who has pocketed £43 million on and off the court.

Simon Chadwick, an expert in sport business strategy and marketing, who is global professor of sport at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France, said: ‘Raducanu is a classic Gen Z teenager – mixed heritage, social media savvy, aspirational, which she combines with what seems like a positive predisposition towards life. 

Hence, one can imagine that some of the deals she already has, with the likes of Nike, could become more lucrative for her.

‘At the same time, some of the big mobile brands as well as digital platforms will probably be interested.’ Emma is already managed by Max Eisenbud, of the IMG agency, who secured £20 million in sponsorship for tennis star Maria Sharapova. 

The Queen and Prince William lead congratulations for Emma Raducanu after her US Open final win while Stephen Fry, Piers Morgan and Gabby Logan also praise British tennis star 

By Claire Toureille for MailOnline 

The Queen, Kate Middleton and Prince William have led the congratulation messages as Emma Raducanu won her first ever Grand Slam during the US Open tonight.  

The Queen, 95, addressed a warm letter of congratulations to Emma while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised the 18-year-old qualifier from Bromley for her performance and her historic victory.  

Emma took on her 19-year-old opponent Leylah Fernandez and won her first Grand Slam final after a fairytale string of victories saw her reach the top of the competition.    

The debutant is the first qualifier ever to reach the final in New York, having played ten matches without dropping a set on her blazing journey to worldwide stardom. 

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour Leader Keir Starmer and the England Football team have rushed to send their congratulations to Emma as well.  

Throughout the evening, celebrities cheered British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu to victory at the US open. 

The Queen shared a letter of congratulations to mark Emma’s win.

‘It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication,’ she wrote. 

‘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 good wishes to you and your many supporters,’ the Monarch wrote.   

According to the Sunday Times’ royal editor Roya Nikkhah, the Queen’s letter was personally delivered to Emma following her win. 

‘Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you,’ the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote.  

They also congratulated Emma’s rival Leylah Fernandez for her performance during the match.  

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Raducanu’s ‘extraordinary poise and guts,’ he wrote.

‘What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu. You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you,’ he said. 

Author Stephen Fry wrote: ‘What a glorious day for two remarkable young women. Yes, it may be ‘only’ sport, but in that ‘only’ there can be found so much of human joy, despair, glory, disappointment, wonder and hope. A brief flicker of light in a dark world.

‘Spoiler Alert: Sports Personality of the Year, Emma Raducanu,’ comedian Jimmy Carr wrote. 

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

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.’

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

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.’

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called Raducanu ‘a star, a role model and a champion’.

Emma Raducanu’s home tennis club erupted in cheers and applause as she won the US Open in straight sets.

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. 

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.

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

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.

Piers Morgan was among the celebrities who tuned in tonight and cheered on as Emma battled it out on the court as well.

‘Reminder: @emmaRaducanu hasn’t lost a single set in the entire tournament. Insane,’ he wrote. 

TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp wrote on Twitter:  ‘Turn to @channel4 for something to inspire your teenagers.’

TV presenter Nick Knowles wrote: ‘If you’re not watching in the US Tennis Open final (unexpectedly live on Ch4 via Prime) you’re missing a special sporting moment. 

‘Whatever happens in the next couple of hours a star has been born Hoping you execute your game as you wish to Emma We’re already proud,’ he added.    

Johanna Konta, 30, who had to withdraw from Wimbledon this year when one of her team members tested positive to Covid-19, cheered both Emma and her opponent, celebrating the promising future of tennis. 

‘It’s really exciting to see the next generation coming through at the this year. Good luck @EmmaRaducanu and @leylahfernandez,’ she wrote.  

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock also wrote a message of encouragement on Twitter, saying: ‘Best of luck to @EmmaRaducanu tonight in the US Open final. Whatever the end result, you have done yourself & the country proud.’

Army veteran and Strictly Come Dancing alum JJ Chalmers also cheered Emma on on Twitter today and said the match would be a ‘piece of history,’ 

‘Tonight isn’t just going to be a belter of a match, it’s going to be a piece of history, and now not only can we freely hear it on @5livesport but we will also be able to see it on @channel4 #PublicService Broadcast at it’s very best on court from 2100. Good luck #EmmaRaducanu,’ he said.

Comedian Rob Beckett said: ‘F****** come on @Emmaraducanu’ as he watched the match unfold . 

The Mayor of London also had words of supports for Emma ahead of the final. 

‘Wishing @EmmaRaducanu the very best of luck in the #USOpenFinal this evening. We couldn’t be prouder of you.’

And the Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer wrote: Every best wish to @EmmaRaducanu ahead of tonight’s #USOpen final. You’ve already made history as the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final.

‘I could not be happier for you and all those who have supported you along the way. You have made us all so proud. Good luck,’ he added.  

ITV weather man Alex Beresford wrote: ‘This is a GAME! Come on @EmmaRaducanu.’

Andy Murray’s mother Judy Murray praised Channel 4 for giving women’s sports ‘visibility’ and called both Raducanu and Fernandez ‘teen sensations.’ 

Meanwhile SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote: ‘Best of luck @EmmaRaducanu.’

London Olympics’ Middleweight Division bronze winner Anthony Ogogo said: ‘Come on girl.’

Author Jason Vale, also known as the Juice Master said:’ We are all behind you but above all enjoy the moment and drink it in. 

Actress and presenter Natalie Anderson took in the moment as the final started: ‘Eeeeek! Good luck @EmmaRaducanu.’ 

Britain’s Got Talent 2020 finalist Damien O’Brien said: ‘Emma Raducanu is incredible !! #USOpen

GB News presenter Alastair Stewart said: ‘ I’ve cracked it! @EmmaRaducanu plays chess, disguised as tennis.’

Even retailer John Lewis and Chrystal Palace FC were among those wishing Emma luck. 

‘Anyone else nervous?! We’re all behind you Emma Raducanu. Imagine the racket we’ll make if you win,’ they wrote. 

Meanwhile, the football club wrote: ‘From everyone at your local team, we’re right behind you. Bring it home tonight.

And singer Miles Kanes wrote: ‘Come on, Emma Raducanu! You’ve got this, buzzing for this final.

Chris Wood, the drummer of pop band Bastille was also among the people watching. 

Professional golfer Ian Poulter tweeted: ‘What a game of Tennis this is.. Come on.’

‘Found my seat on the bandwagon. Come on @EmmaRaducanu,’ he said.  

Former Team GB rower Steve Redgrave wrote: ‘Wishing Emma all the best this evening, it’s promising to be an extraordinary final, looking forward to watching this one.’ 

Lord Ashcroft was among the people watching Emma in the stadium. He said: ‘Getting seated for the US Open Women’s Final between ⁦ @emmaraducanu and @leylahfernandez… Emma will be a finalist in many more Grand Slams in her career…I’m just happy I’m here at her first.’

Winter Olympian and Alpine Sky racer Chemmy Alcott wrote: ‘So tense. So epic. We are all behind you @emmaraducanu.’

England’s cricket team captain Heather Knight saidL ‘What a game this has been already! Come on @EmmaRaducanu. 

BBC Breakfast presenter Holly Hamilton shared an excited baby gif as the tennis sensation won her first set.

How Emma Raducanu’s mother picked up her trophy for Kent Player of the Year from 3,500 miles away as she stormed to US Open glory in New York 

By Scarlet Howes and Abul Taher

All eyes have been on Emma Raducanu as she blazed her incredible trail to glory in the US Open – but there have been two notable absentees from the Flushing Meadow crowds: her devoted parents.

As the teen sensation wowed the final stages of the Grand Slam contest, her mother Renee was 3,500 miles away from New York in the rather less glamorous settings of Bromley, South-East London.

But while draconian Covid restrictions kept her out of America, Renee was busy working on behalf of her daughter, collecting her award for Kent Player of the Year at the Sundridge Park tennis club.

It is an honour received with no less pride than the sport’s highest accolades, for the Raducanu family has remained loyal to those at the grassroots level who set Emma off on the path to superstardom.

The humility and quiet self-belief demonstrated by Renee and her husband Ian, who both work in finance, has clearly been passed down to the 18-year-old who has won an army of fans with her quiet resolve and self-deprecating humour.

Emma first picked up a tennis racquet aged five and a year later was listed on Bromley Tennis Centre’s roll of honour, having won the Under-8s Girls’ Championships.

Soon, Emma was a regular on the circuit of local and regional competitions with Renee eager to show off her daughter’s skill.

Renee’s former colleague, broker Julian Guthrie, recalled how he was challenged to a match against the young Emma, telling The Mail on Sunday: ‘I’m a keen player and I used to make jokes, saying ‘there’s no way I’d lose to a ten-year-old girl’.  

‘But Renee would say, ‘I tell you what, you would. Why don’t you come and play?’ Luckily for my ego, this didn’t actually come off.’

And he said Emma hasn’t changed since then, explaining: ‘What you see now on the TV is exactly as she’s always been. I love the way Emma has turned out and it’s a reflection on her mother.

‘Renee is very correct, very sure of herself, principled and just a lovely, positive person. To me, her principle quality is her calmness and Emma has inherited that.

‘I never heard Renee lose her temper or raise her voice and you can see that in her daughter on the court. Emma’s parents never liked negativity and would quickly snap her out of any hissy fits as a child.’

Speaking to Vogue magazine, Emma praised her mother for instilling her with self-belief: ‘I think the confidence comes from just inner belief. My mum comes from a Chinese background, they have very good self-belief. 

‘It’s not necessarily about telling everyone how good you are, but it’s about believing it within yourself. I really respect that about the culture.’

Renee was originally known as Dong Mei Zhai and grew up in Shenyang, North East China, before moving to Toronto, where she met her Romanian husband. 

The family moved to Bromley when Emma was two and now live in a £345,000 home in a suburban cul-de-sac there.

A shy girl, Emma was encouraged by her father to get into sport and she is also a talented ballet dancer, go-karter, swimmer and horse rider.

Indeed, in China Emma is better known on the table tennis circuit and she plays at the professional club in Shenyang during her annual visits to see her mother’s family members.

In an interview last year, Emma said: ‘My mum’s side of the family are so mentally resilient. It’s like nothing can bring them down. I would say I take a big part of my inspiration from her. My mum has worked very hard.’

Ian, meanwhile, is described as softly-spoken and approachable –someone who is interested in people and subtly interrogates them as he chats. 

He was been overseeing his daughter’s training, although he has often raised eyebrows with his choices. As one coach put it: ‘People just thought he was a bit out there.’

Emma credits her parents’ background for her work ethic, saying: ‘They both come from academic families and in pretty tough countries growing up so they probably have a lot of that remaining.

‘They want me to have options, they think my education is very important for my future.’

With an A* maths A-level and A in economics from Newstead Wood grammar school in Orpington, she has taken heed of that advice too.

Emma has remained in touch with her former teachers and even returned to her primary school, Bickley, for its sports day over the summer. 

There her former teacher Rebecca Rodger said that despite Emma’s dizzying success she ‘is still the same girl I recognise from when she started school.

‘She is still very determined, very grounded, still wants to achieve really well and you can still see in her that little girl that I knew.

‘It’s been amazing and I’m sure she’s going to go on and achieve even greater things,’ she told ITV.  

Train driver, 41, who ‘discovered’ Emma Raducanu when she was aged eight asks passengers to update him on her progress during vital match

By Robert Dineen and Caroline Graham 

A train driver who ‘discovered’ Emma Raducanu last night told how he begged passengers to update him on her progress during a vital match.

Simon Dahdi, 41, was working as a talent scout for the Lawn Tennis Association when he spotted Ms Raducanu’s world-beating potential. She was just eight years old.

Mr Dahdi, a driver for Thameslink, told The Mail on Sunday that he was forced to put out an announcement asking passengers to tell him the score during Ms Raducanu’s nail-biting third round match against Romanian Sorana Cirstea at Wimbledon in July.

Mr Dahdi, from Orpington, Kent, who quit tennis in 2016, said: ‘I got to Blackfriars Station [in Central London]. She was in the third round at Wimbledon. But I couldn’t drive with my phone switched on.

‘I turned my phone on when I got to Blackfriars and saw that they changed ends. She was winning 6-3. I was like, ‘Wow! She’s got a chance to get to the fourth round!’ I couldn’t believe it. Then I switched off my phone again.

‘After a few stops I thought, ‘I need to know what’s going on.’ ‘ So he made an announcement.

‘I said, ‘If anyone is watching a bit of Wimbledon, there’s a girl called Emma Raducanu who is a great player from Bromley and if you can tell me what the score is, that would be great’.

‘So at different stops, people were coming up to the front of the train and telling me the score.’

As he drove into Bickley, a male passenger told him his former protege had won. ‘I said, ‘Crikey!’ I was so happy,’ he recalled.

Ms Raducanu would lose her next match, but her potential was clear.

Mr Dahdi spotted Ms Raducanu at the Parklangley Club in Beckenham, Kent, and watched her play from the age of eight to ten. 

He never had any doubt she was destined for greatness. ‘It was obvious how talented she was,’ he said.

British tennis star Emma Raducanu beams for the camera in these adorable family photo album snaps 

Britain goes wild for Emma Raducanu as fans crowd around TVs to cheer her on to victory in US Open final

By Jack Newman for MailOnline

Fans across the country crowded around their TVs and packed the pubs to cheer on Emma Raducanu to her historic US Open final win.

The British star, 18, became the first ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam and the first British woman to take home a title in 44 years.

The tennis ace, who won both sets of a thrilling final against Leylah Fernandez, was hailed as a role model and inspiration at a viewing party held at her home tennis club in Beckenham.

Raducanu played at Parklangley Club in Beckenham, south-east London, from the age of six, and the viewing party was crammed with friends and admirers.

Those watching were optimistic, with cheers and applause erupting every time Raducanu won a point, and even louder when she took the lead and eventually won in straight sets.

There were so many people at the Parklangley Club that half had to stand, but everyone was on their feet shouting and hugging as Raducanu took the first set. 

Suzanne Williams, her former strength and conditioning coach, said: ‘It’s absolutely incredible just to see her develop and become this player when I knew her when she was so young, from 8-12 years old.

‘Of course you could see there was some incredible potential there but to see her on the screen in this environment is incredible.’

She added: ‘For girls to know that it’s in their reach, because they’re at the same place she was, it doesn’t feel too far removed from them, it’s just incredible for them to get this role model.’

Harry Bushnell, who coached her from the age of six to ten, said: ‘As a coach, you want to coach someone that goes all the way so it’s my first time of being involved in anybody that’s gotten this far and it’s an amazing feeling.’ 

Speaking about the media pressure that Raducanu has been under since her performance at Wimbledon, he said: ‘I just am obviously very protective of her, but I know she views pressure as a privilege.

‘I think she conducts herself really well I know that she got a bit of stick at Wimbledon with the way that ended but I was always confident that she would go away from that, dust herself off and come back stronger.’

On the line for the 18-year-old is a prize cheque for £1.8million – more than eight times Raducanu’s current career earnings – as well as 2,000 ranking points, which would move the teenager up from her current standing of 150 to 23.

TV presenter Gary Lineker begged Emma Radacanu to win the second set of the US Open final quickly so that people would be able to watch Match Of The Day.

He tweeted: ‘Come on @EmmaRaducanu. Fantastic first set. Please try and win the 2nd set so we can all concentrate on @BBCMOTD.’

Earlier, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford asked for the programme to be moved back to allow people to finish watching the tennis.

‘Do us a favour @GaryLineker push it back the tennis is on…’ he wrote.

Politicians from across parties added their voices to the mountain of online support for the British tennis star.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: ‘What an absolutely amazing match – and what an amazing British athlete we have in Emma Raducanu. Keep going!’

Discussing Raducanu’s success at the US Open, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ’13 #USOpen sets played by Emma Raducanu.

’13 #USOpen sets won by Emma Raducanu. Sensational. #USOpenFinal.’

Ahead of the match, former health secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: ‘Best of luck to @EmmaRaducanu tonight in the US Open final.

‘Whatever the end result, you have done yourself & the country proud.’

Sir Keir Starmer said Raducanu had ‘made us all so proud’.

Before the match, the Labour leader tweeted: ‘ Every best wish to @EmmaRaducanu ahead of tonight’s #USOpen final.

‘You’ve already made history as the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final.

‘I could not be happier for you and all those who have supported you along the way. You have made us all so proud. Good luck!’

Speaking just before walking on court, Raducanu said: ‘The time has flown here in New York. I’ve just been taking it one match at a time and it has got me to the final.

‘I’m going to go out there and enjoy it today. It’s so exciting in my second grand slam to be in the final. I can’t really believe it but I can’t wait to get stuck in. I’m sure the crowd will be great so it will be a really positive experience.’

Canadian Fernandez, 19, is also an unexpected finalist and her giant-killing run has included victories over former champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber and top-five seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.

She said: ‘It’s been incredible. I’ve been having a lot of fun on court, I’ve been playing well and I can’t wait for the finals today. I think we’re just going to go out there and have fun. We’ve both been playing incredibly well.’  

Raducanu is being backed by millions back in the UK after she won widespread praise for her semi-final performance, including from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and footballer Marcus Rashford. 

Bookmakers had Raducanu chalked up as the favourite at 4/7 – meaning a £10 bet would return just £15.70.

The match is being shown live on Channel 4 after a last-minute deal said to be worth £30 million was struck with Amazon amid feverish anticipation among the tennis-loving British public.