The Queen and Prime Minister have led tributes to “extraordinarily fabulous” teenage tennis champion Emma Raducanu.
The 18-year-old, who won Saturday’s US Open final in straight sets 6-4 6-3, was praised for her “poise and guts” during the historic match.
The teenager is the first qualifier to win a grand slam, and her victory comes just three months after she took her A-levels.
It led to praise from royalty, other sports stars and celebrities who were gripped by her remarkable and unprecedented success.
Following her win, the Queen congratulated the teenager, saying: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.”
Suzanne Williams (centre), Strength and Conditioning coach for Emma Raducanu aged 8-12, at the Parklangley Club in Beckenham, celebrates her winning the US Open Final.
David Parry
She added: “I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”
Boris Johnson wrote: “What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu.
“You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “What a winner. A true British hero. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on an inspirational win. From qualifier to champion without dropping a set. A phenomenal achievement.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: “What an absolutely amazing match – and what an amazing British athlete we have in Emma Raducanu.”
A tweet from the official account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was signed C to signify Catherine, who is a huge tennis fan.
It said: “Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible – we are all so proud of you.
“@leylahfernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C”
Celebrity fans also added their voices to the long list of congratulations and praised both teenagers for their performances.
Pop group The Spice Girls, who first went on hiatus two years before Raducanu was born, tweeted “Wow! Amazing tennis from @leylahfernandez and @EmmaRaducanu that’s Girl Power right there!!
“Congratulations Emma.”
TV presenter Gary Lineker said: “First time in my life I’ve ever tweeted whilst on air but my goodness what a performance, what a triumph, what an amazing young woman,” he said.
“Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set.
“Extraordinarily fabulous.”
Comedian Dara O Briain said: “Well that is both brilliant and ludicrously unbelievable. Well done Emma Raducanu.”
8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr described the teenager as a “legend” and admitted he had become emotional through the match.
“Emma Raducanu – 20 straight sets. What a performance? What a legend? The game I love played beautifully,” he tweeted.
Harry Bushnell, coach to Emma Raducanu aged 6-10 at the Parklangley Club in Beckenham, where Emma trained from age 6 gets ready to watch her in the US Open Final.
David Parry
“I think it’s ok I shed a tear. Congratulations Emma & also well done on those A Levels.”
Fellow Cats panellist Jon Richardson added: “What a treat and a privilege that was to watch.
“Thank goodness for sport in a messed up world and thank goodness for Emma Raducanu. Absolutely superb.”
Former Countdown host Carol Vorderman said: “Amazing…..huge congratulations to our new Queen of Tennis…. ”
But people also praised the standard of play on both sides of the net.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon added her congratulations.
“Just incredible! @EmmaRaducanu is a star, a role model and a champion. Congratulations!” she tweeted.
“I suspect tonight is one of these sporting occasions that will be talked about for decades to come.
“Two great players who will no doubt dominate women’s tennis for years to come.”
TV presenter Nick Knowles tweeted: “The quality of the us open tennis women’s final is epic!”
