Emma Radukanu is the first British woman in 44 years to win a Grand Slam title
New Delhi:
British teen sensation Emma Radukanu, who won the US Open in the biggest underdog title win in tennis history, says her goal was initially modest. She said that she started her campaign with the aim of winning enough prize money to buy a pair of AirPods. She lost “three minutes” before her first-round qualifying match three weeks earlier. Now, that she has won the tournament and the prize money – $2.5 million – she can buy as many AirPods as she wants. Radukanu stunned the world by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. Ms Radukanu, an 18-year-old, told ESPN in a post-match interview about an “ongoing joke” in her team.
Funny moment as Radukanu tells ESPN his first target #US Open Had to earn enough prize money to replace your lost Airpods pic.twitter.com/Ewsvki49Z8
— Dave Lee (@DaveLeeFT) September 11, 2021
The teenager said, “There’s a joke going on in my team because before my first-round qualifying match, I lost my AirPods and I was basically running around the changing room like it was three minutes before my call. Tried to find it but I lost it.”
“I was thinking to myself, ‘You know what, if you win this match, you can buy yourself a pair of AirPods,’ and it’s become a running joke!” she added.
Ms Radukanu is the first British woman to win a Grand Slam title in 44 years. She did so without losing a set against 19-year-old Leyla Fernandez of Canada, ranked 73.
After his incredible victory, many people are sending him best wishes and praising him.
“From wild card to #USOpen title at Wimbledon… @EmmaRaducanu has packed a lot in one summer,” tweeted the official handle of Wimbledon.
by wild card #wimbledon till #US Open Topic…@EmmaRaducanu Have packed a lot in one summer????https://t.co/HRxc2z1k9Z
— Wimbledon (@wimbledon) September 12, 2021
Among the many congratulatory messages received by Radukanu included the Queen, The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
‘I have no doubt that your outstanding performance, and that of your rival, Leyla Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players.’
Queen’s message to read @EmmaRaducanu In whole: https://t.co/m5lxaH7kKipic.twitter.com/aFSaCisDC0
— the royal family (@RoyalFamily) September 11, 2021
Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu On your scintillating performance and historic Grand Slam victory! Incomparable – We are all very proud of you. @LeylahFernandez Well done on your amazing achievements this year #US OpenIt’s a pleasure to see. C
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 11, 2021
What a sensational match! many congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu ????????
You showed exceptional skill, poise and courage and we are all very proud of you.#US Open
— boris johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 11, 2021
A user shared an edited clip of some of Ms Radukanu’s top moments from the US Open, including her title win.
Edit for Ms. Emma Radukanu ???????? pic.twitter.com/sl4ZMRjNTF
— Benji (@GGTPKerber) September 12, 2021
Another pointed out that she was “the immigrant who made Britain great”.
Emma Radukanu.
Canadian born to a Romanian father and Chinese mother, another #immigrant Making Britain Great. pic.twitter.com/iO3QJUrodr
— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) September 11, 2021
Ms. Radukanu was born in Toronto, Canada in 2002 to a Romanian father and Chinese mother. The family moved to the UK when she was two years old.
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