Emma Raducanu cut an elegant figure as she stepped out in a glimmering black dress to celebrate her outstanding win at the US Open last night.
The 18-year-old, from Kent, achieved one of Britain’s greatest sporting victories in Saturday’s thrilling final, becoming the country’s first female Grand Slam champion in 44 years.
The tennis sensation, who was sitting her A-levels earlier this year, became the first Brit to win a major since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977 and is the first qualifier to triumph in a Grand Slam, in either the men’s or women’s game.
Looking euphoric after her win, the sporting star showed off her trophy at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in a glittering black number which she teamed with a pair of white trainers.
Emma Raducanu was jubilant last night as she stepped out in a glimmering black dress to celebrate her outstanding win at the US Open
Looking euphoric after her win, the sporting star showed off her trophy at her press conference in a glittering black number which she teamed with a pair of white trainers
Emma was elated while showing off her Grand Slam trophy following her astonishing win at last night’s match
The 18-year-old, from Kent, achieved one of Britain’s greatest sporting victories in Saturday’s thrilling final, becoming the country’s first female Grand Slam champion in 44 years
Emma kept her look simple, pairing the sleeveless black dress with dainty gold teardrop earrings and a matching bangle.
Her brunette tresses were kept loose around her shoulders and the tennis star showed off her glowing natural complexion with a minimal make-up look.
The tennis star was seen kissing her trophy after beating 19-year-old Canadian rival Leylah Fernandez in front of an enthralled Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
At the conference, a joyous Emma praised the performance of her opponent Leylah and said she was proud of herself for ‘overcoming adversity’ during both sets.
The tennis star was seen kissing her trophy after beating 19-year-old Canadian rival Leylah Fernandez in front of an enthralled Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows
Emma kept her look simple, pairing the sleeveless black dress with dainty gold teardrop earrings and a matching bangle
Her brunette tresses were kept loose around her shoulders and the tennis star showed off her glowing natural complexion with a minimal make-up look
At the conference, a joyous Emma praised the performance of her opponent Leylah and said she was proud of herself for ‘overcoming adversity’ during both sets
Life will never be the same again for the teenager as she claims a £1.8 million cheque – more than her entire career winnings to date – and soars up the rankings from 150 to 23
‘I thought from the very beginning, I knew it was going to be a very difficult match’, said Emma. ‘Leylah she’s played some unbelievable tennis, taking out a lot of the top ten this week.
‘So I knew I’d really have to bring my game and I was trying to focus as much as possible on one point at a time and there was some really great battles.
‘I really had to dig deep to face quite a bit of adversity in both sets, so i’m really proud of how I managed to stick in and come through in the end.’
When asked how it felt to hold the Grand Slam trophy in her hands, Emma went on: ‘It’s an absolute dream. You just have visions of yourself going up to the box hugging everyone, celebrating.
Emma kissed the trophy at the conference as she did following her outstanding victory at the match on Saturday night
The tennis sensation beamed at photographers as she posed with her trophy at her press conference last night
Emma appeared over the moon as she smiled with her trophy at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
‘That’s something you always think of and always work for and for that moment to actually happen, i’m so grateful for my team here with me and every single person who supported me along this journey.’
Life will never be the same again for the teenager as she claims a £1.8 million cheque – more than her entire career winnings to date – and soars up the rankings from 150 to 23.
Millions back home were watching, including the Queen who sent a letter from Balmoral, writing: ‘It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.’
She was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who hailed her ‘stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory!’
Emma kept her look simple as she celebrated her victory at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
When asked how it felt to hold the Grand Slam trophy in her hands, Emma went on: ‘It’s an absolute dream’
Boris Johnson said ‘we are all hugely proud of you’ as he praised Raducanu’s ‘extraordinary skill, poise and guts.’
Tennis pundits heralded the victory as not simply an historic triumph for a British player, but as a landmark victory for the sport.
‘It’s a miracle’ said former Wimbledon champion Chris Evert. ‘This is a kid no one had ever heard of until a couple of weeks ago. Now she’s the biggest name in sport. She’s stolen all our hearts.’
After her victory, Raducanu fell to the ground crying tears of joy before kissing her silver trophy and beaming at the adoring 24,000 fans inside the Arthur Ashe.
Emma was delighted by her win, revealing that she had previously had ‘visions’ of the moment she won the sporting event
Tennis pundits heralded the victory as not simply an historic triumph for a British player, but as a landmark victory for the sport
The Briton said: ‘Thank you to everyone here in New York for making me feel so at home from my first qualifying match all the way through to the finals. Leylah’s always going to play great tennis and always going to fight… I knew I had to dig deep.
‘I think it shows that the future of women’s tennis – and just the depth of the game right now – is so great. I think every single player in the women’s draw definitely has a shot of winning at any tournament.
‘I hope that the next generation can follow in the steps of some of the greatest legends’, she added, naming Billie Jean King, who presented her with the trophy.