Tennis: Raducanu Stuns Sakkari, Reaches US Open Final
British teen Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final after beating Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-4 in the semi-final of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, USA.
Raducanu fended off seven break points across her first two service games and capitalized on a trio of double faults from Sakkari on the way to a 5-0 lead in the first set.
Down a break in the second set, Sakkari then fought off five break points in a near 10-minute seventh game. However, the 18-year-old Raducanu would not be denied the victory and went on to seal the match.
Raducanu set up a final against 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez after the Canadian teenager shocked second seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final.
“Honestly, the time here in New York has gone so fast,” Raducanu said. “I’ve just been taking care of each day, and before you know three weeks later, I’m in the final and I can’t actually believe it.”
“Since I’ve been in New York for my first round qualies match I’ve had unbelievable support in New York and you guys have made me feel right at home. I was just so excited to come out here and play in front of you guys.”
Raducanu has not dropped a set in New York and completely outmatched 17th seed Sakkari, who reached the semi-final at Roland Garros this year. The Greek had 33 unforced errors in the one hour and 24-minute match and struggled with her first serve.
Raducanu now has the chance to become the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since Wade won Wimbledon in 1977.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
