NICOLA Sturgeon was among the countless figures across the UK to congratulate Emma Raducanu on her sensational US Open win on Saturday night.
The 18-year-old won the tennis Grand Slam without dropping a set.
Raducanu's 6-4 6-3 victory over fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the US Open final made her the first British woman since Virginia Wade, who was watching from the stands, 44 years ago to win a slam singles title, and the first in New York since Wade in 1968.
Sturgeon, the Queen and Prime Minister led the tributes to the “extraordinarily fabulous” teenage tennis champion.
The teenage champion was praised for her “poise and guts” during the historic match, which came just three months after she took her A-levels.
READ MORE: Concentrating on ‘grown-up’ issues is failing for Scottish Labour and Tories
It led to praise from royalty, other sports stars and celebrities who were gripped by her remarkable and unprecedented success.
After sending Raducanu the "best of luck" before the match, the First Minister later sent her congratulations. She wrote: "Just incredible! @EmmaRaducanu is a star, a role model and a champion. Congratulations!
"I suspect tonight is one of these sporting occasions that will be talked about for decades to come. Two great players who will no doubt dominate women’s tennis for years to come.
"But what a winner in @EmmaRaducanu"
Postscript to that final: after the sheer emotion involved in supporting @andy_murray over the years, I can’t be the only one who didn’t expect to feel quite so invested in tennis ever again - @EmmaRaducanu has changed that. https://t.co/UIuPZCcQKn
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 11, 2021
She added afterwards: "Postscript to that final: after the sheer emotion involved in supporting @andy_murray over the years, I can’t be the only one who didn’t expect to feel quite so invested in tennis ever again - @EmmaRaducanu has changed that."
Following her win, the Queen congratulated the teenager, saying: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.”
She added: “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.”
Boris Johnson wrote: “What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu.
“You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.”
Emma Raducanu holds the trophy as she celebrates winning the women's singles final alongside runner up Canada's Leylah Fernandez
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “What a winner. A true British hero. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on an inspirational win. From qualifier to champion without dropping a set. A phenomenal achievement.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: “What an absolutely amazing match – and what an amazing British athlete we have in Emma Raducanu.”
Celebrity fans also added their voices to the long list of congratulations and praised both teenagers for their performances.
Pop group The Spice Girls, who first went on hiatus two years before Raducanu was born, tweeted “Wow! Amazing tennis from @leylahfernandez and @EmmaRaducanu that’s Girl Power right there!!
“Congratulations Emma.”
TV presenter Gary Lineker said: “First time in my life I’ve ever tweeted whilst on air but my goodness what a performance, what a triumph, what an amazing young woman,” he said.
“Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set.
“Extraordinarily fabulous.”
Comedian Dara O Briain said: “Well that is both brilliant and ludicrously unbelievable. Well done Emma Raducanu.”
8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr described the teenager as a “legend” and admitted he had become emotional through the match.
“Emma Raducanu – 20 straight sets. What a performance? What a legend? The game I love played beautifully,” he tweeted.
“I think it’s ok I shed a tear. Congratulations Emma & also well done on those A Levels.”
Fellow Cats panellist Jon Richardson added: “What a treat and a privilege that was to watch.
“Thank goodness for sport in a messed up world and thank goodness for Emma Raducanu. Absolutely superb.”
Former Countdown host Carol Vorderman said: “Amazing…..huge congratulations to our new Queen of Tennis…. ”
But people also praised the standard of play on both sides of the net.
TV presenter Nick Knowles tweeted: “The quality of the us open tennis women’s final is epic!”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel