Emma Raducanu after beating Maria Sakkari to reach US Open final: ‘I’m in the final. I can’t actually believe it’

Emma Raducanu has stunned the tennis world yet again by reaching the US Open final after dismantling 17th seed Maria Sakkari.
The Kent teenager is the first qualifier – male or female – to reach the final of any grand slam tournament following a sensational 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Tearing up the record books, Raducanu is also now the first British woman to reach a major final since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977.
She is one match away – against fellow teen Leylah Fernandez – from becoming the first British female winner at Flushing Meadows since Wade in 1968.
Incredibly she has not lost a set en route to the final and has dropped just 27 games in her six matches.
Two months after bursting onto the scene at Wimbledon ranked 361st in the world, a month after receiving her A level results, and 13 days after entering qualifying in New York, the 18-year-old from Orpington stands on the brink of one of the most remarkable sporting achievements of all time.
Raducanu said on court: “Honestly the time here in New York has gone so fast. I’ve just been taking care of each day and three weeks later I’m in the final. I can’t actually believe it.
Believe it, @EmmaRaducanu
You’re going to the #USOpen final! pic.twitter.com/x9LsPp6Rog
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
“Today I wasn’t thinking about anyone else except for myself. While I have the moment I want to thank my team and the LTA and everyone at home for all their support.
“Since I’ve been here from the first round of the quallies I’ve had unbelievable support.”
As for her chances in the final? “Is there any expectation? I’m a qualifier so technically there’s no pressure on me,” she added.
Striding into the vast Arthur Ashe Stadium looking for all the world as if she was about to knock up at Bromley Tennis Centre, Raducanu took immediate control of the biggest match of her short career.
She saved seven break points in her first two service games while breaking 26-year-old Sakkari to 15 to secure a 3-0 lead.
A change of skirt for Sakkari did not have the desired effect as she dropped serve again, and in the blink of an eye the first set had run away from the world number 18.
An early break in the second kept Sakkari at bay and only an extraordinary rally at break point prevented Raducanu from taking a 5-2 lead.
No matter. Two service holds and a delicious volley on match point later and Raducanu had completed the latest stride in her improbable march towards sporting immortality.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams confirms will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want any ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
News
LTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev shrugs off playing under neutral flag: ‘I’m still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles’
Daniil Medvedev has moved on from the Wimbledon ban.
-
WTA Tour
Leylah Fernandez keeps her emotions in check to claim comeback win to say ‘thank you’ to family and friends
A first-ever Canadian Open win for Leylah Fernandez.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams wins first match in 430 days, but admits she is ‘getting closer to retirement light’
Fourteen months later, Serena Williams gets that winning feeling again, but admits retirement is looming.
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek remains top, Daria Kasatkina earns WTA rankings reward
It’s a career-high for the Russian after her first win of the season in San Jose.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev retains top ATP rankings, Nick Kyrgios surges up
Nick Kyrgios is the biggest mover on the latest rankings after his first title since the start of 2020.