Emma Raducanu Joins Virginia Wade, Johanna Konta and Others in a Rare Record

Tennis star Emma Raducanu has seen her life turn upside down over the past couple of months. It all began for her when she competed in the Wimbledon Championships this year. In her first attempt in a Grand Slam, she came as far as the fourth round. 

In New York, Raducanu did the unthinkable and won the US Open 2021, coming through as a qualifier. It was a surreal moment for her and grabbed eyeballs from all over the globe. Now, she has entered the top 20 rankings on the WTA tour. Starting this week, the teenager has become the new World No. 20 player. 

In doing so, she has become only the 5th British woman to accomplish such an honor. Prior to Emma, tennis greats Virginia Wade, Johanna Konta, Sue Barker, and Jo Durie have managed to crack into the top 20 rankings. 

Emma Raducanu is in elite company 

Speaking more about these greats, Virginia Wade won three Grand Slam singles titles in her career. Besides the French Open, she has been a champion at the other three venues. Reflecting on Johanna Konta, she has been a semifinalist at every venue except the US Open. 

Sue Barker won the French Open in her career and earned a ranking as high as being the World No. 3 player. On the other hand, Jo Durie recorded a career-high of World No. 5 in singles, and had two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

Coming back to Raducanu, after winning the US Open, all has not gone well for her. She lost in the opening round of the Indian Wells 2021 and parted ways with her coach, who guided her to Grand Slam glory in September. At her next appearance in the Transylvania Open in Romania, Emma crashed out in the quarter-finals of the event. 

We hope to see more of Emma in the upcoming 2022 season. 

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