Tim Henman hails Emma Raducanu’s display as ‘simply stunning’ while Greg Rusedski is left ‘dumbfounded’

Former British No 1 Tim Henman branded Emma Raducanu’s performance in her US Open semi-final win over Maria Sakkari as “simply stunning”.
Raducanu made history by becoming the first qualifier to reach a grand slam final with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 victory over Maria Sakkari.
She is also the first British woman to reach the final at Flushing Meadows since Virginia Wade won the title 53 years ago.
It’s been 53 years since the last time a 🇬🇧 woman played in our singles final.
That champion, Virginia Wade, watched Emma Raducanu follow in her footsteps tonight. pic.twitter.com/1Ezvm8ZcA6
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
“It’s an absolutely staggering performance,” Henman told Amazon Prime. “If we just look at the way she came out and played, her quality of tennis from start to finish, she was so resilient. She never flinched.
“She never let up. It was relentless. And then you’ve got to throw in the scenario of being a qualifier, an 18-year-old, with all the legends who have ever played this game at Grand Slam level. She is the first person to qualify and reach the final. It’s simply stunning.
“She deserves all the credit in the world. On the biggest stage in our sport at every opportunity she plays on her terms. It’s incredible to watch.
Teen Queen 🌟. Incredible achievement. 👏💪👍💥 https://t.co/rtOY9yJaqe
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) September 10, 2021
“She’ll need to enjoy this tonight and then get ready for Saturday.”
Greg Rusedski, a US Open finalist in 1997, added: “I’m dumbfounded. That performance was worthy of a world number one, a US Open champion, a multiple Grand Slam champion.
“The composure, the belief, the handling of the big points. This is her first Grand Slam semi-final and it was like she was playing in the first round. It was astonishing.”
Emma Raducanu is all of us after witnessing that performance. pic.twitter.com/1LqiXSpUXe
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, knows a thing or two about making history.
She told Amazon Prime: “When you make history you do it at one level or two. Emma is doing it at so many levels.
“You can’t even think about the repercussions. We’ve been hyping her up but it’s happening. She’s backing it up.”
Raducanu will meet fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the final.
Latest
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe questions Iga Swiatek’s emotional state after Australian Open exit
John McEnroe suggested world No 1 Iga Swiatek needs to rediscover a stable mindset to get back to winning ways.
-
Australian Open
Russian fans display pro-war symbols and banned flags at Australian Open
Russian fans have been questioned by police over flags and symbols displayed at the Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe on whether Novak Djokovic gets the respect he is due
John McEnroe has given his verdict on the lack of respect being shown to Novak Djokovic.
-
News
Novak Djokovic fuelled by 2022 tribulation as title march continues
The Serbian brushed aside Andrey Rublev to set up a clash with Tommy Paul.
-
News
Wimbledon 2023: Men’s doubles matches to be abbreviated
The change puts Wimbledon in line with the other grand slams.
-
News
Australian Open day 10 wrap: Novak Djokovic rolls towards 10th Melbourne title
The story of the 10th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Roger Federer: ‘Tennis misses him
Few sports can match tennis in how great rivals can also have huge respect for one another, like how Novak Djokovic hailed Roger Federer.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open semi-finals after outclassing Andrey Rublev
The nine-time champion Novak Djokovic set up a clash with American Tommy Paul for a place in the final.
-
Australian Open
Tommy Paul gets better of Ben Shelton to reach Australian Open semi-final
Tommy Paul claimed a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton on Rod Laver Arena.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Mark Philippoussis’ influence on Australian Open credentials
There is a growing belief Stefanos Tsitsipas will break his Grand Slam duck in Melbourne this week, with a local favourite in his camp.