History was made as Emma Radducani became the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam, when she beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, and did not drop a set through qualifying all the way to a final. Fernandez had spent longer on court in less matches, and arguably the toughest draw to get to the final, and Raducanu had barely been tested. The first few games took 23 minutes, and we were settling in for a massive battle, and we were not disappointed.
Raducanu got the quicker start, breaking Fernandez only to be broken back in two long strenuous games. From that point, the quality of the tennis from teenagers in their first Slam final was staggering, with Raducanu breaking for the first set on her fourth match point.
Fernandez was the first to break in the second set, but Raducanu responded immediately with a break back, breaking again for a 4-2 lead. There was more drama to come as two championship points came and went on the Fernandez serve, and when break point down while serving for the match, a long slide caused Raducanu to scrape the skin off her knee, requiring medical attention, a requirement for any injury that results in bleeding.
Fernandez was less than happy about the disruption as Raducanu had to resume, but fought back to convert on her third championship point, with an ace.
Fernandez: ‘I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years’
Speaking on court, Fernandez said: “I have no idea what to say. Today is going to be hard but Emma played amazing. Congratulations. I am very proud of myself and having the New York crowd has been amazing. Thank you so much New York. Thank you everyone.”
“I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the US. I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years. I love you New York and hope to see you next year.”
Raducanu: ‘I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals’
“First of all, I really want to congratulate Leylah and her team, she played some incredible tennis and has beaten some of the top players in the world. The level was extremely high and I hope we play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals.
“As for this three weeks in New York, I would say having such a supportive team, the LTA my agent, and everyone back home watching on TV, thank you so much for your support over the years.
“Thank you for making me feel so at home from my first qualifying match, you have spurred me on in some difficult moments and I hope me and Leylah put on a good match today.”
Source: (Britwatch Sports)