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Teen Tennis Takeover

ON THE COURT On September 11, Emma Raducanu plays in the women's Grand Slam final of the U.S. Open, in New York City. J. CONRAD WILLIAMS JR.—NEWSDAY RM/GETTY IMAGES

Emma Raducanu, 18, won the Grand Slam women’s final at the U.S. Open on September 11. The tennis player from the United Kingdom beat 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6–4, 6–3. 
It was the first time since 1999 that two teens competed in a major tennis tournament final.

When she entered the U.S. Open, Raducanu was largely unknown to tennis fans. Then she won 10 matches to 
finish undefeated. Now she has people’s attention. 
Queen Elizabeth II wrote to Raducanu to applaud her “remarkable achievement at such a young age.”

Tennis star Billie Jean King handed Raducanu the championship trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium, in New York City. Raducanu celebrated by carrying it around the court. 
“I can’t believe it,” she said.

AT THE TOP Emma Raducanu (right) beat Leylah Fernandez (left) to win the Grand Slam women’s final on September 11.

ELSA—GETTY IMAGES