It was showtime at the US Open with two stellar talents taking to the courts of New York. With a place in the finals at stake, Emma Raducanu went all guns blazing against the experienced Greek, Maria Sakkari. The stage was set to witness some unbelievable tennis at the hands of two players that gave it their all, showing up on the biggest night of their lives.
British sensation Emma Raducanu has emerged as a favorite at the Flushing Meadows. Despite her age, she’s displayed sublime dominance and maturity on the court, putting in back-to-back phenomenal performances. However, not too far behind, her Greek opponent has made headlines with her tennis in New York. Notably, she knocked out former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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With not much separating the two, the odds were even for both. The energized or the experienced, who would claim the final bragging rights?
A dominant display from Emma Raducanu
In an authoritative start, Emma whitewashed Maria in the first set, leaving no chance for a comeback whatsoever. She took the game by the crux of it with a dominating start and won the opening set quite comfortably. Half an hour into the game, Emma looked favorite for the win, with 6-1.
Displaying her remarkable form on the court, Emma recorded 63% wins on her first-serve and 73% on her second serve. She won 5 games in a row, bagging 33 points overall in the set.
With all to play for, Maria started the second set strong, winning the first game comfortably. However, she failed to keep up with Emma’s pacey attack.
Finals bound
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Living up to the surrounding hype, Emma played the tennis of her life. Going all guns blazing, she beat Maria in straight sets. As the final scoreline read 6-1, 6-4, the youngster was on her way to the finals of the US Open.
RADUCANU BELIEVE IT 🤯
18-year-old qualifier 🇬🇧 @EmmaRaducanu is through to the #USOpen final without dropping a single set. Throughout the whole tournament. Including qualifying.
She will face Fernandez in an all-teenage final on Saturday 🍿 pic.twitter.com/akQRhvTal8
— wta (@WTA) September 10, 2021
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With that emphatic win, Emma Raducanu becomes the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam Final in the history of tennis. She will now face fellow teenager, Leylah Fernandez, in the finals of the 2021 US Open. Which of the two youngsters will grab the title and make history?