Emma Raducanu vs Leylah Fernandez LIVE result: Latest updates from US Open final

Emma Raducanu has beaten Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open and complete one of the most remarkable and unlikely triumphs in British sporting history.

The 18-year-old becomes the first British woman to win a grand slam singles titles since Virginia Wade in 1977 and is the first qualifier, male or female, to win a grand slam title.

In a dramatic final which delivered tennis of the highest order, Raducanu prevailed 6-4, 6-3 to win the tournament without dropping a set in New York.

The Briton needed a medical timeout in the penultimate game of the match after grazing her knee, before coming back on court to hold her serve, sealing the win with an ace.

Follow all the reaction below after Emma Raducanu defeats Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open :

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US Open women’s singles final

• Emma Raducanu breaks Leylah Fernandez's serve at the first attempt

• Canadian hits back to break and hold her own for 2-2

• Raducanu takes first set 6-4

• Raducanu needs medical attention in final game

• Raducanu hits final ace to win second set 6-3 and claim US Open title

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Sunday 12 September 2021 00:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Sporting fairytales can all too often have unhappy endings, but Emma Raducanu’s extraordinary run at the US Open finished in glorious fashion in New York as the 18-year-old became Britain’s first female singles grand slam champion for 44 years.

Raducanu, the first qualifier ever to reach a Grand Slam final, once again rose to the occasion, beating the 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 with a remarkable display of big hitting and composure.

Just three months after making her debut on the main women’s tour, Raducanu became the youngest grand slam singles champion since 17-year-old Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004. She is also the first woman ever to win the title in only her second grand slam tournament.

Read Paul Newman’s report on a historic US Open final:

Emma Raducanu wins US Open in historic final against Leylah Fernandez

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Sunday 12 September 2021 00:02 , Jamie Braidwood

“Anything is possible, the sky is the limit,” says GB Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong.

“Of course she can go onto become the world No 1 and win future grand slams, she’s won the US Open as a qualifier!”

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:54 , Jamie Braidwood

The future of tennis is in safe hands.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Before tonight, the biggest tournament of Emma Raducanu’s career so far was a 25K event in Pune, India.

She was yet to win a tournament on the WTA tour, which her first appearance in the main draw of a WTA draw coming two months ago.

The rise has just been insane. We have never seen anything like this in sport, let alone tennis.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:46 , Jamie Braidwood

“A star was born tonight,” says Greg Rusedski, one of a number of former and current players reacting to Raducanu’s win tonight.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu speaking to Amazon Prime and Tim Henman.

“I’m still just so shocked, I can’t believe I came through that last service game. I don’t want to let go of this trophy right now!” she says.

“This morning there were some weird feelings but when I came out on court I felt at home.

“I didn’t serve as well as I had been throughout the tournament but I came up with some big serves in clutch moments.”

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu is just absolutely loving this moment.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu receives the US Open trophy from Billie Jean King - after being handed a cheque for $2.5 million.

It’s hard to believe what is happening right now.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu after winning the US Open:

“First of all I really wanted to congratulate Leylah for an incredible fortnight. The level was incredibly high and I hope we play each other again in many more tournaments and finals.

“Thank you to my team for your unbelievable support and most of all thank you for your support - I’ve loved playing in New York.

“Leylah is also going to play great tennis and fight - I knew I had to dig deep. I knew I had to serve [for the championship] and staying in the moment really hoped in those tough times.

“The future of women’s tennis is so great. Every player in the drawer has a shot of winning every tournament. I hope the future generation can follow the legends of the game, like Billie Jean King here.

“It means so much to have Virginia Wade and Tim Henman, icons of the British game, here supporting me, it really helped.”

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:28 , Jamie Braidwood

The Queen has congratulated Emma Raducanu for winning the US Open! “It’s a remarkable achievement at such a young age.”

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:27 , Jamie Braidwood

Leylah Fernandez is overwhelmed by the reaction of the crowd on Arthur Ashe.

“It’s incredible, I’ve no idea what to say,” she says. “Emma played amazing. I’m very proud with how I’ve played over the past two weeks. It’s been so special for me. Thank you New York.”

Fernandez played some stunning tennis over the past two weeks and is undoubtedly a future grand slam champion. “I hope to be back in the final, and next time the trophy.”

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:24 , Jamie Braidwood

The moment the match was won. An unforgettable point in British sport.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:21 , Jamie Braidwood

They’re playing Sweet Caroline at Arthur Ashe, as Emma Raducanu breaks out into the widest smile and starts to sing along.

The legendary Billie Jean King will hand over the US Open trophy to Raducanu.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:19 , Jamie Braidwood

I’m struggling for words right now, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

What have we just seen?

Emma Raducanu can’t believe it either.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-3 Leylah Fernandez

Raducanu makes her way up to her box to exchange hugs with her team and coach Andrew Richardson. This is just wonderful.

Leylah Fernandez looks on distraught.

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-3 Leylah Fernandez

Can you believe this?! Emma Raducanu has just completed one of the greatest victories in tennis and British sporting history.

The 18-year-old qualifier has re-written history and is a Grand Slam champion. Incredible.

What a final, what a tournament, what a last game! The drama!

EMMA RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-3 Leylah Fernandez

Fernandez’s return clips the net but Raducanu survives and hangs on, before Fernandez goes long. Deuce.

Raducanu goes back to her serve out wide but Fernandez somehow returns the forehand down the line. Raducanu keeps pushing but the defence is too good and Raducanu goes long.

Break point down, Raducanu plays another brilliant point and finishes it off with a smash!

She then goes big on the first serve to put Fernandez on the back foot. Championship point!

AND AN ACE! RADUCANU WINS THE US OPEN!

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu is back on court and has a dressing on her knee.

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 (30-40) Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:05 , Jamie Braidwood

The umpire calls a medical timeout. What a time to stop the match!

Fernandez is not happy but the blood was running down Raducanu’s leg from the graze.

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 (30-40) Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu takes a couple of tosses on her serve before firing a perfect shot out wide - but Fernandez’s return is strong and she works her way back before hitting the forehand winner.

Fernandez is then loose on the next forehand, she hits a wild shot wide. 15-15.

Raducanu goes back to the wide serve before following it up with a forehand winner as she steps into the court.

She hits a perfect serve down the middle but Fernandez somehow survives, and Raducanu can’t hit the winner at the net. 30-30.

And that’s just unbelievable from Fernandez. She hits two stunning shots into the corners, which Raducanu returned before Fernandez hit the winner!

But drama! In sliding to return the shot, Raducanu has grazed her knee and is now bleeding! She is back at her chair getting it dressed up.

She will come back to 30-40 and a break point for Fernandez!

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 23:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez is not done yet. Raducanu threatened with a perfect forehand down the line but the Canadian hung in the point before delivering a winner of her own.

And the 19-year-old then wins the next lengthy rally as Raducanu nets.

Emma Raducanu will now serve for the US Open. The crowd at Arthur Ashe have risen to their feet.

Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-2 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:58 , Jamie Braidwood

An error from Fernandez sees Raducanu take the opening point of her service game, 0-15.

Raducanu then looked to be in control of the next exchange but a forehand just drifts wide.

Raducanu then does a hop of frustration as she nets a forehand down the line.

Stunning! A lob from Raducanu when under pressure drops on the line, and she then puts Fernandez on the defence as she steps into the net. Fernandez nets to bring up 30-30.

And this time the net cord sees the ball drop on Raducanu’s side! Fernandez nets to set up Championship point!

Fernandez keeps her cool to take charge of the rally, and forces the error on Raducanu’s backhand.

On deuce, Fernandez wins the next exchange as Raducanu nets again, before Fernandez misfires on a forehand.

A driving forehand from Raducanu down the line brings up a second Championship point - but Raducanu nets! Back to deuce we go! This is unbelievable tense.

Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-2 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu opens her service game with an ace but Fernandez responds with a forehand winner.

A backhand from Fernandez drifts wide to set up 30-15, and Raducanu then plays a stunning shot out wide off the back of a serve out wide, which Fernandez can’t return over the net.

Raducanu hits a strong serve up the line and Fernandez goes long. Another important hold and she is now just one game away from the US Open title. Unbelievable.

Raducanu breaks! *Emma Raducanu 6-4 4-2 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez takes a quick point to open her service game but Raducanu obliterates a backhand winner down the line, before connecting with another stunning backhand shot to move to 15-30! Too good.

Raducanu plays a short ball off Fernandez’s serve, but that brings up the error as the Canadian hits a forehand wide to set up two break points.

Raducanu has a chance on her backhand but the shot drops just wide.

But wow! Amazing! Raducanu reads Fernandez’s passing shot at the net before producing a stunning forehand winner down the line to get the break! Shot of the tournament from Raducanu!

Emma Raducanu 6-4 3-2 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu hits another perfect serve out wide to Fernandez’s backhand, and then steps into the forehand winner down the line to move to 30-15.

Fernandez then connects with a clean backhand winner to bring up 30-30, but an error from the Canadian gives Raducanu the game point.

And an ace up the middle from Raducanu earns her the hold. Stunning serving from Raducanu and a brilliant couple of games.

The quality and intensity of this final as is high as it was when the match started an hour and a half ago.

Raducanu breaks back! *Emma Raducanu 6-4 2-2 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:40 , Jamie Braidwood

A strong start from Raducanu as she attacks the second serve of Fernandez with a clean forehand down the line to move to 0-30.

Raducanu just misses with her forehand across court, before Fernandez hits a beautiful backhand winner across court and into the corner to bring up 30-30.

Brilliant defence from Raducanu! She survives as her lob hits the baseline, before she steps into a backhand to hit a short winner which just catches the line!

Break point now, and wow! That’s incredible! Again she attacks the second serve and hits a brilliant backhand winner into the corner. What a response from Raducanu!

Fernandez breaks! Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-2 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Sublime hitting from both players to open up the Raducanu service game, as she hits a winner down the line to take the opening point.

Fernandez responds with two big returns, and Raducanu nets following lengthy exchanges on both occasions to now face 15-30.

And that’s tough. Another fortunate net cord for Fernandez sees a backhand drop on Raducanu’s side and brings up two break points at 15-40.

Raducanu saves the first as she takes charge of the rally and fires a forehand into the corner. Fernandez then has a chance on Raducanu’s second serve but she nets.

Fernandez cannot return a brilliant serve from Raducanu up the middle on deuce, before Raducanu has a look at a forehand down the line but misses as she hits the net.

Fernandez steps into another Raducanu second serve, before hitting the forehand winner across court to bring up a third break point.

And this time Raducanu can’t respond. She nets on a backhand and Fernandez takes the first break of the second set.

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-1 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Now then. A double fault from Fernandez brings up 0-30 on her serve, as the crowd on Arthur Ashe respond.

Raducanu then comes out on top in the next point as Fernandez nets to bring up three early break points!

Fernandez saves the first as she hits the line out wide, as Raducanu hits a lob long of the baseline.

And a stunning backhand winner down the line saves the second, steely stuff from Fernandez.

“Come on!” she yells as Raducanu cannot return a serve out wide, and two more strong serves from Fernandez saves her.

That’s a big, big hold after being 0-40 down.

Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-0 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu takes the opening point of the set with an ace - before Fernandez nets following an exchange to bring up 30-15.

Raducanu hits another brilliant serve to move to 40-15 as Fernandez goes long with a high return.

And that’s just too good! A first serve out wide from Raducanu is followed by a forehand winner back into the same corner, as Raducanu takes the opening hold.

Nice start.

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:22 , Jamie Braidwood

The quality of this final has been sensational, so many long rallies and monster games. Raducanu has already come through several tense moments but she has been the proactive player, and has put Fernandez’s serve under pressure with a number of aggressive returns.

Fernandez has played some brilliant shots of her own and her defence at times has been so strong. The Canadian has won in three sets in her last four matches - she will have to do that again here.

But Raducanu is yet to drop a set at the US Open - and she’s now just one more set away from the title. Here we go again!

Raducanu wins the first set! Emma Raducanu 6-4 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez is now serving to stay in this opening set - will that see Raducanu go on the attack?

The Canadian wins the opening point with a brilliant shot that catches the line out wide, Raducanu went for the lob but couldn’t get it over the net as she scrambled out wide.

Fernandez goes long on a rally - and then Raducanu takes charge with a brilliant backhand out wide that Fernandez can’t control to bring up 15-30.

Raducanu then attacks the second serve of Fernandez to hit a brilliant backhand winner! Sensational, and it brings up two set points!

Fernandez saves the first as Raducanu goes long, before she pushes Raducanu back on the second and Raducanu can’t keep her backhand lob inside the tramlines.

Raducanu comes out on top on the next rally as Fernandez goes long - to set up another set point.

Oh, that was a chance! Raducanu had a look at a second serve from Fernandez but nets with the backhand.

Raducanu then takes charge and goes for the forehand winner across court, which Fernandez can’t return. A brilliant shot.

And on the fourth set point Raducanu takes it! She hits a stunning forehand winner into the open court! UNBELIEVABLE!

Emma Raducanu 5-4 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:11 , Jamie Braidwood

That’s stunning. Raducanu hits a second serve into the corner before firing a winner past Fernandez into the opposite side of the court.

Fernandez then plays a drop shot, which wasn’t perfect and Raducanu was able to reach, but she was was unable to flip over the net.

Raducanu makes another winner to move to 30-15...before wow, sensational defence from Fernandez almost sees her hit a backhand winner after Raducanu had forced her into the corner, but it just drifted long of the baseline.

And another long ball from Fernandez earns Raducanu the hold.

We could be going the distance in this opening set. Stunning stuff so far in 50 exhilarating minutes.

*Emma Raducanu 4-4 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez’s fourth double fault of the match earns Raducanu the first point on her next service game - but she hits back with an ace, her second so far.

Wow, a phenomenal return from Raducanu pushes Fernandez out wide, and the Canadian nets on her backhand side.

But a brilliant shot from Fernandez into the corner brings the score back to 30-30, before the 19-year-old puts away the forehand volley at the net.

A wild forehand from Fernandez under little pressure takes us into deuce once again.

That’s too good, though. Fernandez wins the point with a sublime one-two punch, before she claims the hold on the next point.

Emma Raducanu 4-3 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 22:02 , Jamie Braidwood

A lovely couple of sliced backhands, the second a passing shot into the corner, earns Fernandez the opening point of the next game.

Fernandez then brings Raducanu into the net with a drop shot, which Raducanu eventually puts away with a volley winner.

Fernandez is then put on the defensive as Raducanu has a couple of opportunities on the forehand smash. She lands the first but can’t control the second as it drifts long.

Fernandez then nets on a second serve from Raducanu, before the Briton hits her best shot of the match so far with a flying forehand winner into the corner to move to 40-30. Brilliant.

And Raducanu then comes out on top following a stunning rally! She hits the line with a pin-point forehand to send Fernandez out wide, before finding the opposite corner. Fernandez’s defence is brilliant but she can’t respond this time.

Amazing from both players. “We’re watching a couple of hall of famers,” says Martina Navratilova.

*Emma Raducanu 3-3 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu takes the opening point on Fernandez’s service game as she attacks a second serve and Fernandez nets.

A brilliant backhand from Raducanu opens up the court but she can’t make the winner as she sends a forehand wide - that was a chance.

A double fault from Fernandez brings up 15-30 though, before Raducanu is inches away from a forehand winner down the line that just lands out.

At 30-30, Raducanu nets on a second serve from Fernandez, a shot she’d definitely want back, before Fernandez gets a big break off of a lucky net cord that drops dead on Raducanu's side.

Fernandez holds up her hands in apology as she claims the hold.

Emma Raducanu 3-2 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez takes the opening point on Raducanu’s serve as she hits a brilliant backhand winner down the line.

A tense double fault from Raducanu brings up 0-30, a dangerous position to be in.

She responds with a lovely forehand winner down the line into the space - and a big first serve is sent wide by Fernandez to bring up 30-30.

Raducanu lets out a big “come on!” as she sends a big serve out wide, which Fernandez can’t keep in play.

And another strong serve from Raducanu sees her claim the hold - that is a welcome one after being in a hole at 0-30.

*Emma Raducanu 2-2 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez wins the first couple of points on her service game as Raducanu twice hits the net. The Canadian seems to have the majority of the support in Arthur Ashe at the moment.

Raducanu attacks on the Fernandez second serve but the 19-year-old responds as she fires back, before winning the point with a brilliant drop shot to move to 40-0.

But that’s stunning from Raducanu. She sends Fernandez out wide with a fierce forehand that catches the line before putting away the volley into the opposite corner.

And she wins the next point too as she hangs in the point with determined defence, as Fernandez misses the backhand winner.

At 40-30, Fernandez’s serve is too strong and the Canadian holds.

Fernandez breaks! Emma Raducanu 2-1 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:43 , Jamie Braidwood

A double fault from Raducanu brings up the fourth break point on her serve - she went out wide but missed.

Fernandez then takes charge of the next rally and Raducanu makes the error, hitting the net with a backhand.

Fernandez gets her break back - but this is a stunning start to this US Open final. This hitting from both players so far has been remarkable.

Emma Raducanu 2-0 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu and Fernandez exchange a pair of menacing slices, and Raducanu nets as she stoops to return the low shot.

Another long rally sees Fernandez go long - and Raducanu comes out on top again after a lengthy exchange to bring up 30-15.

Fernandez responds after Raducanu sends a backhand wide when under pressure - and then Raducanu goes long to bring up the break point for Fernandez as she looks to hit back immediately.

A brilliant serve up the line from Raducanu saves the break point as Fernandez can’t reply - but a backhand into the net on the next point brings up a second chance for Fernandez.

Fernandez strikes the net cord but Raducanu recovers to stay in the point and puts Fernandez under pressure as she hits the net. Another break point saved.

But Fernandez then produces an aggressive return as she steps into the net to dispatch the volley and bring up a third break point chance.

Fernandez takes a swing at a second serve from Raducanu but she nets - and we go on in another mammoth game!

Raducanu breaks! *Emma Raducanu 2-0 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez goes long again after another breathtaking rally between the players, the quality is unbelievable.

It brings up a sixth break point - and this time Raducanu breaks after Fernandez nets!

What a game, what a start for Raducanu!

*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:33 , Jamie Braidwood

A second double fault from Fernandez brings up a fifth break point of the game, but more brilliant defence from the 19-year-old sees Raducanu net under pressure.

A big serve from Fernandez earns her the game point as Raducanu can’t return.

Fernandez then misses a clear opportunity to win the game after sending Raducanu out wide, but she can’t keep her passing shot inside the tramlines!

Fernandez forces Raducanu wide again after another stunning rally between the players, and this time she keeps her volley in the court and Raducanu can’t reply.

Raducanu stays alive in the game as Fernandez goes long, as we approach the 10-minute mark in this game alone!

*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Wow, what a start! Raducanu steps into a Fernandez second serve and rips a clean winner off her backhand across court.

That is followed by a tense double fault from Fernandez - Raducanu’s returns can have that effect on players.

A further error from Fernandez brings up three break points at 0-40!

Fernandez saves the first as Raducanu goes long, to loud applause in Arthur Ashe.

Fernandez then hits a forehand clean winner following a stunning rally - brilliant defence from the Canadian to overturn Raducanu’s fierce return.

Raducanu then hits a forehand wide on the third break point to bring up deuce - but she earns herself another opportunity after pushing Fernandez back and nailing the tough backhand volley.

Fernandez saves the break point with an ace, and on we go!

Emma Raducanu 1-0 Leylah Fernandez*

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu gets a first serve in to open the match but Fernandez wins the first point with a strong crosscourt backhand winner.

But Raducanu gets on the board as Fernandez nets on the next point.

Brilliant hitting from Raducanu sees the teenager push Fernandez back as she steps in to power a forehand winner past her opponent.

Fernandez cannot return a strong first-serve from Raducanu to bring up game point - but Raducanu nets on the next point.

But a brilliant backhand winner Raducanu sees her claim the opening hold! That will settle any nerves!

*Emma Raducanu 0-0 Leylah Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Raducanu won the toss and has elected to serve.

Here we go!

*denotes next server

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:18 , Jamie Braidwood

The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe is buzzing as the players begin their warm-ups. The temperature in New York is around 24 degrees, which is a lot cooler than some of the days at the tournament over the past two weeks.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez are joined on court by Billie Jean King and her fellow members of the ‘Original Nine’.

King and the ‘Original Nine’ led the way in launching the women’s professional tour 50 years ago - and they stand for equality in women’s tennis and beyond.

Tonight’s final is a fitting matchup to honour their stand half a century ago.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Here comes Emma Raducanu! Before she takes to the court she first gives a quick pre-match interview.

Asked about her remarkable run over the past three weeks, she says: “I just believed in myself. I’ve been taking it one match at a time and it’s brought me to the final. It’s so exciting to be in a grand slam final and I can’t wait to get out there.”

There are huge cheers as the players are introduced out on court. Raducanu looks as relaxed as ever. What an occasion this is.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 21:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Tonight’s US Open final is taking place on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Before the final begins, a ceremony will take place to commemorate the lives that were lost.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu’s in-the-moment mindset is one of the biggest reasons behind her remarkable run to the US Open final.

The teenager has taken her journey one match at a time, and it’s an approach that she will bring with her into the biggest match of her life tonight.

“Honestly right now I’m just thinking of the game plan, how to execute,” she said. “That’s what’s landed me in this situation. It hasn’t been focusing on who’s expected to win this match or that one.

“I think it’s just taking care of the day. That’s what I’m doing quite well at the moment.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Sadly, Emma Raducanu’s parents, Ian and Renee, have not been able to watch their daughter advance to the US Open final. They’ve been unable to travel to the US as it currently requires a special exemption visa, which can prove a complex and bureaucratic business to acquire.

It does sound like they could be making more of an effort when it comes to staying in touch, however, having “ghosted” Emma after she beat Shelby Rogers in the quarter-final.

“I’ve got quite a lot of messages from my school friends,” Raducanu said. “It’s really nice that we’re still in contact even though we’ve left. I mean, it was quite a short time ago.

“[But] my parents actually, like, ghosted me after the match,” she laughed. “I texted them, but they didn’t reply even though they were online! Yeah, that meant something.”

Here’s more:

Why Emma Raducanu’s parents won’t be at the US Open final

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Fernandez also produced what is perhaps the quote of the tournament after reaching the US Open final:

“A lot of people doubted me, my family and my dreams,” she said. “They kept saying no, that I’m not going to be a professional tennis player, that I should stop and just pursue going to school.

“I remember one teacher, which was actually very funny – at the time it wasn’t but now I’m laughing - she told me to stop playing tennis, you will never make it, and just focus on school.

“You know what, I’m just glad that she told me that because every day I have that phrase in my head saying that I’m going to keep going, I’m going to push through and I’m going to prove to her everything that I’ve dreamed of I’m going to achieve them.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Leylah Fernandez’s run to the US Open has been just as special as Emma Raducanu’s. The Canadian, who turned 19 earlier this week, had the tougher run to the final and has taken out three of the top 10 players in the world.

Her past four matches have all gone to three sets and she has spent more time on court than Raducanu, even though she’s played three fewer games than the Briton so far.

Her victory over world No 2 Sabalenka in the semi-finals was the best victory of her career, following those other remarkable wins over Osaka and Svitolina.

“My Dad would tell me all the time there’s no limit to my potential, to what I can do,” Fernandez said. “Everyday we just got to keep going for it. Nothing is Impossible. There’s no limit to what I can do, I am just glad that right now everything going well.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Some of the statistics behind Emma Raducanu’s final have been extraordinary. She’s yet to drop a set in her nine matches in New York and has lost more than four games in any of those sets.

Her return points percentage ranks as the highest of any player at the tournament, with the 18-year-old winning a stunning 46 per cent of first serves she’s faced.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:30 , Jamie Braidwood

We’re now just 30 minutes away from the start of the US Open final, in what is set to be an unmissable occasion.

The match will now be broadcast on Channel 4 as well as on Amazon Prime. Here’s how you can watch.

How to watch Emma Raducanu vs Leylah Fernandez tonight in US Open final

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu, speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of the US Open final:

“It means a lot to me to reach the final. I honestly think that was some of the best tennis I’ve played out there [in the semi-final]. The crowd really pushed me through some really tough moments - I just love playing in New York.

“From a young age my parents were really big on staying calm under pressure, in all aspects of life really. It’s something that I’ve grown with and that’s helped me when I’ve been on the biggest stages.

“I didn’t expect to be here in the final. We were joking at the start that it’ll be a three-week trip in New York but to actually be here is incredible, and I just want to thank everyone.

“To both be in a final of a grand slam so young, it’s just incredible to see how far we’ve come. I think that being young you just feel fearless, there’s no pressure on you to win.

“Playing Leylah, technically I’m the qualifier and there’s no pressure on me again. I just can’t wait to get out there and have a swing.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Martina Navratilova knows a thing or two about what it takes to win grand slams, and the 18-time champion has not been shy of praising Raducanu throughout the past two weeks at the US Open.

“Nobody does it this fast, this well. It has not been done before,” she says on Amazon Prime ahead of tonight’s final.

“Her rise has been phenomenal, nuclear. I don’t want to be too crazy about raising people up - but I’ve never seen this before, that’s the truth.

“Emma just needs to play her game and she’ll be fine.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:11 , Jamie Braidwood

From the archives, this was the result when Raducanu last played Fernandez in the second round of junior Wimbledon.

The power of both players in these highlights is remarkable - well worth a watch ahead of tonight’s final!

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez have both shocked the tennis world to reach the US Open as unranked teenagers - and the pair also have a shared history in the sport.

Raducanu and Fernandez have known each other since they competed at under-12 level, and faced off at junior Wimbledon in 2018, with Raducanu winning in straight sets.

“We first encountered each other because I was born in Toronto and she was Canadian, so we kind of made a little relationship back then,” Raducanu said.

“Obviously since then we’ve both come very far in our games and as people. I’m sure it’s going to be extremely different to when we last encountered each other. But we’re both playing good tennis so it will be a good match.”

Raducanu said that Fernandez’s run in the tournament had inspired her to achieve the same. Fernandez played a day before Raducanu until they both reached the semi-finals, which saw her defeat top seeds Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka in advancing to the last four.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 20:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu struggled to explain what it meant to reach the US Open final, on what is just her second grand slam appearance and her debut season on the pro tour.

“A surprise. Honestly I just can’t believe it. A shock. Crazy. All of the above,” she said after defeat Sakkari in the semi-finals to become the first qualifier in grand slam history to reach a final.

“But it means a lot to be here in this situation. I wanted obviously to be playing grand slams, but I didn’t know how soon that would be. To be in a grand slam final at this stage of my career, I have no words.

“It means everything to me to be here in the main draw first of all, then in the final of the US Open. I always had dreams of playing in grand slams, but I just didn’t know when they would come.

“To come this early, at this point in my career, I’ve only really been on tour for a month, [and it has been] two months since Wimbledon. It’s pretty crazy to me.”

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 19:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu continued her astonishing run at the US Open as she defeated Maria Sakkari in straight sets in the early hours of Friday morning.

Those who fought off tiredness to stay up for the teenager’s match were rewarded as Raducanu put on a stunning display, as she secured the 6-1 6-4 victory.

The level of the 18-year-old’s play in New York has been remarkable as she has risen to the occasion to meet each passing test at Flushing Meadows.

Yet to drop a set in New York, a place in the US Open final is nothing short of what she deserves - and a meeting with Fernandez is a fitting way to determine the winner of what has been a stunning tournament.

US Open women’s singles final: Raducanu vs Fernandez

Saturday 11 September 2021 19:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the women’s singles final at the US Open, where Emma Raducanu faces Leylah Fernandez.

It’s a grand slam final debut for both, both are teenagers, both have known each other for years from the junior ranks in Canada, both are tremendously talented and have rocked the tennis world over the past couple of weeks.

It promises to be a fantastic occasion and we’re bringing you all the build-up and every hit of the action once it gets started at Flushing Meadows.