Emma Raducanu was the grand sporting story of 2021. At the age of only 18, the British star became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title. She defeated Leylah Fernandez of Canada to lift the 2021 US Open title. Moreover, she did so without dropping a set en route to her first Grand Slam title.

Further, she became the youngest player to win a Grand Slam title since Maria Sharapova lifted the 2004 Wimbledon title. Her incredible achievements have invited massive appreciation from the tennis fraternity and her fan-following has grown multifold towards the end of last year. Nick Kyrgios was the latest player to express his admiration for Raducanu.

Nick Kyrgios on Emma Raducanu

The Australian took to Twitter to praise the 19-year-old. He reacted to a video of her post-match press conference with the caption that read, “She is the champ!!!!”

Raducanu faced another former US Open champion, Sloane Stephens in the first round and won 6-0, 2-6, 6-1.

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In the video, the World No. 18 was asked to comment on how important was it for her to start well at the opening Grand Slam of the year. The 19-year-old replied, “I definitely wanted to go out there and start playing aggressively. I felt that I was actually just really enjoying my time here especially like going out to practice. I had quite a few people watching, so I was really enjoying it.”  

Kyrgios himself won his first round match against Liam Broady as well, and put on quite a show for the spectators, including a tweener and an under-arm serve.

Raducanu’s chances at the Australian Open 2022

The British sensation is seeded 17th at this year’s Grand Slam Down Under and will face Danka Kovinic of Montenegro next. Further, if she manages to overcome the second-round hurdle, she could potentially lock horns with the former World Number 1 Simona Halep of Romania (who is also Raducanu’s idol).

Can Emma Raducanu weave her magic at the ‘Happy Slam’ this year? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: A Look Back at Emma Raducanu’s Spotlight Moments in 2021 After US Open Glory