US Open 2021 - Inspired Emma Raducanu storms past Maria Sakkari to set up magical final with Leylah Fernandez
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Updated 10/09/2021 at 06:22 GMT
Britain's Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier in history to reach the last four of the women's draw at Flushing Meadows, and now the 18-year-old has gone one step further in reaching Saturday's showpiece final. She was far too good for Maria Sakkari of Greece at Arthur Ashe Stadium and will next take on fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in what is an improbable and magical final.
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates her victory over Maria Sakkari of Greece in the semifinals of the women's singles of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
Emma Raducanu was utterly inspired yet again as she stormed past Greek 17th seed Maria Sakkari, 6-1 6-4, to reach the final of the 2021 US Open in style.
The unseeded rising star from London showed her class and remarkable composure once again on the very biggest stage in the sport to dominate the match from the outset and move to within a match of Grand Slam glory.
In so doing, the seemingly fearless Raducanu has already become the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final for 44 years, since Virginia Wade in 1977.
Raducanu had already become the first qualifier in history to reach the last four of the women's draw in New York, and now the 18-year-old has gone one step further in reaching Saturday's showpiece final.
The new British number one comprehensively outplayed the fiery Sakkari, and she will now take on fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez of Canada in what is an improbable and magical final.
Raducanu could hardly have looked more impressive from the off in the opening set as she played immaculate tennis and raced into a commanding lead as her opponent struggled to get any kind of a foothold.
The 17th seed, seeking history of her own, only just managed to avoid a bagel with a solitary service hold after losing the first five games of the match, while Raducanu showed incredible poise and consistency from the back of the court.
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Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates winning match point to defeat Maria Sakkari of Greece during their Women’s Singles semifinals match on Day Eleven of the 2021 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
Such was Raducanu's ascendancy, the Greek looked rattled at times and was in frequent animated dialogue with her team and, at times, the umpire. The Brit, on the other hand, was the epitome of calm on the other side of the net.
After assuming a commanding position again in the second set with an early break, it was staggering how serene the progress was with Raducanu - who has not dropped a set all tournament - able to shut out her opponent and close out the historic win.
Raducanu was ranked 336th in the world earlier this summer, yet the pressure or nerves never appeared to get to her as she ensured that Sakkari had no way back while booking her place in Saturday's final from being a qualifier at Flushing Meadows.
The final on Saturday could hardly be more intriguing and exciting with Fernandez - just one year older than the Brit - having earlier overcome second seed Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4, in the opening semi-final.
"Honestly, today I wasn't thinking about anyone else except for myself," a delighted Raducanu joked when asked about the nerves felt by her team.
"While I have the moment, I just really want to thank my team, the LTA and everyone back home for their support - I wouldn't be here without it.
"The time in New York has gone so quickly, I've been taking care of each day and three weeks later I'm in the final. I actually can't believe it.
"Tonight, playing under the lights on Arthur Ashe, it's one of the most iconic things in tennis and I was just so excited to come out here and play in front of you guys. Thank you for coming."
Asked about coping with the expectation ahead of the final, she added: "I mean, is there any expectation? I'm a qualifier, so technically on paper there's no pressure on me."
The clear and obvious storyline for the Flushing Meadows showpiece is that the dynamic pair of teenagers now represent a significant slice of the future of women's tennis, and Britain suddenly has a legitimate contender for a Grand Slam singles title once more.
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