Emma Raducanu has secured her first US Open title at just 18 years old. Not only has she secured a title, but she's also secured £1.8million – that kind of money is the stuff of dreams, right? Especially when all you wanted was some new earphones.
Quoted by the Daily Mail, the champion said: "There's a running joke in my team because before my first-round qualifying match I lost my Airpods.
"I was basically running around the changing rooms three minutes before my call to go on trying to find it.
"But I lost it and I was thinking to myself, 'You know what, if you win this match you can by yourself a pair of Airpods.'
"And that's become the running joke!"
Emma is the first qualifier – ever – to win a Grand Slam Singles title. She's also the tenth youngest major winner in history, which is sure to be a shock to the system considering the Bromley-based teenager was sitting her A-Levels just three months ago.
Congratulations have been flooding in from every corner of globe, and the United Kingdom is especially proud of the young champion – even Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Cambridge have congratulated her.
Releasing a statement, the Queen penned:
I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication. 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.
The celebratory message was signed 'Elizabeth R'.
While Kate wrote, "Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you.
She then left a sweet message for Emma's opponent, Leylah Fernandez, which read "@LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C"
In a matter of weeks we have seen this rising star go from strength to strength. From reaching the second week of Wimbledon, to winning the US Open – we can't wait to see what Emma will get up to next.
In the meantime, we reckon we should up our tennis skills... after all, if there's that much money to be made... Who's serving?
