For those who witnessed the US Open finals last year that was played in an empty Arthur Ashe stadium, this year is a blessing as the women’s singles championship matchup between Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez was packed with fans cheering for both the players.

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Emma Raducanu wins an enthralling first set over Leylah Fernandez in US Open Finals

Even though it appeared like a majority of the crowd was rooting for Leylah Fernandez, the top-notch tennis displayed by the two players was applauded by one and all. Fans were given a treat in the first set as some fierce baseline exchanges took place between Raducanu and Fernandez.

Initially, it was Raducanu who stormed to an early lead of 2-0 in the first set. Fernandez struggled with her serve initially but didn’t let that be an advantage to her opponent. With an all-round baseline performance, she bounced back to level the set 2-2.

Since then, the quality of tennis reached another level as each player brought their A-game. While Fernandez was quick to reach to the ball to play her shots, Raducanu’s racquet was lightning quick as she demolished anything that was short.

Having to trail the Brit for most of the first set, Fernandez was put in a position where she had to serve to stay in the set. With that extra burden, the Canadian couldn’t bring her best out in the service game and lost the opening set, 6-4.

Coming to the second set, it was Leylah Fernandez who drew the first blood by breaking the Brit and rising to a narrow lead of 2-1. But, Raducanu’s return game must be given due credit as she read the Canadian’s serve extremely well throughout the match.

With Agassi-like backhand returns of serve, the Brit immediately broke Fernandez in the next game and leveled the second set, 2-2. This break of serve changed the dynamics of the match as the Canadian youngster looked down and out and lost her way.

Raducanu met with an injury on-court as she served for the match against Fernandez

Few minutes later, Emma Raducanu was just a game away from clinching her first-ever grand slam title. Serving at 2-5 down in the second, Fernandez thrived under pressure, saved two championship points and transferred the pressure right to Raducanu to serve for the title.

Having to serve for the championship, the Brit was under immense pressure to close out the match. Leylah Fernandez managed to push Raducanu to the edge and got herself a break point to level the proceedings.

During an intense baseline exchange between the two players, Raducanu got herself injured while sliding down the court to keep the ball in play.

Immediately, a medical time-out of three minutes was given for the Brit as she was attended by a physio. Meanwhile, Fernandez had an argument with the match referee over the provision given to Raducanu.

The match resumed after three minutes and Raducanu came back to serve out the game. Despite being injured, the British teenage sensation managed to close out the service game with few dominant forehands from the baseline and clinched her first-ever major title at the US Open.

Also read: UNBELIEVABLE! Qualifier Emma Raducanu Captures US Open 2021 Title Following Her Win Over Leylah Fernandez