USA Today via Reuters
Sep 11, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Emma Raducanu of Great Britain reacts after winning the first set against Leylah Fernandez of Canada (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 11, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Emma Raducanu of Great Britain reacts after winning the first set against Leylah Fernandez of Canada (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed history in the making as an all-teenage final took place for the first time since 1999. 18-year-old Emma Raducanu faced 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez in an unprecedented final, with both players seeking their maiden Grand Slam title.
In a match lasting one hour and 51 minutes, the Briton won her first ever Grand Slam, with the scoreline reading 6-4, 6-3.
Emma Raducanu vs Leylah Fernandez: Set 1
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Raducanu started the match by serving first, holding it to take a 1-0 lead. In Fernandez’s first service game, the Briton raced to a 40-0 lead. However, the Canadian mounted a strong comeback to bring the game to deuce. Following this, both teenagers engaged in nine deuces before Raducanu ultimately sealed the break and went 2-0 up.
Fernandez kept her composure, breaking the Briton in the very next game to halve the deficit. She then held her serve in the fourth game to even the set 2-2. Although the next seven games didn’t see any break of serves, Raducanu managed one in the 10th game of the set. This helped her clinch the set 6-4.
Emma Raducanu wins the first set 6-4 after one hour 👏
The 18-year-old is just one set away from winning the #USOpen 🏆#USOpen | #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 11, 2021
Raducanu vs Fernandez: Set 2
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Just like the first set, Raducanu served the first game of the second set. Once again, the breaks came early in the set, as Fernandez broke the Briton’s serve in the third game of the set. However, Raducanu responded by breaking back in the very next game to tie the set 2-2.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 11, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Emma Raducanu of Great Britain hits a forehand against Leylah Fernandez of Canada (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
From this point, Raducanu took control of the set, winning the next three games in a row to go 5-2 up. Although she had championship points in the eighth game of the set, Fernandez fought back to keep the match going.
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During Raducanu’s subsequent service game, the Briton cut herself while attempting a tough backhand shot. This forced her to take a medical timeout in order to stop blood gushing down her knee. After returning to the court, Raducanu managed to hold her serve, and win her first ever Grand Slam title.
READ MORE: Who Are Emma Raducanu’s Parents? Their Nationality, Occupation and More
