Queen leads congratulations for Raducanu’s Slam win

Emma Raducanu’s extraordinary US Open triumph on Saturday led to an explosion of joy in Britain, with Queen Elizabeth II leading the celebrations as the 18-year-old qualifier made tennis history in New York.

Raducanu beat 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 to become Britain’s first women’s Grand Slam singles champion since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977, and the first player to win a major after coming through a qualifying tournament.

“I send my congratulations to you on your success,” the Queen said. “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.”

The Queen’s letter gave the teenager an indication just how widespread the acclaim for her incredible triumph has been in Britain.

Admitting she was honoured to receive contact from the Queen, Raducanu told the BBC: “It meant everything to get a message from Her Majesty.

“She’s such a great inspiration and role model for the whole country so, to have a note from her, I was extremely honoured and very, very grateful that she took notice of my tennis.

“I can’t believe it. I’m maybe going to frame that letter or something.”

Raducanu’s win even managed to knock football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals on his return to Manchester United off Sunday morning’s British newspaper front pages.

The Express called it “Absolutely Emm-ense!” while the Telegraph proclaimed: “She did it!” (AFP)