Emma Raducanu wows in strapless dress as she shows off US Open trophy
British tennis star Emma Raducanu took a break from her signature red and blue tennis skirt to appear in a glimmering little black dress to celebrate her iconic US Open win on September 11. All of 18, the Kent native bagged one of Britain's greatest sporting victories in the enticing final that saw the teenager become the nation's first-ever female Grand Slam champion in 44 years.
Despite Raducanu's historic victory, her biggest supporters — her parents — were not able to witness her ace the game due to Covid-19 regulations. Rumored to be dating British musician HRVY, Raducanu is also a social media and tabloid favorite for her major accomplishments at such a young age. But the tennis pro is clearly also acing the sartorial game as her little black dress caught the eye of many.
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The tennis sensation who also passed her A-levels earlier this year, looked euphoric after the win as she showed off her trophy at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Pairing it with simple white trainers, Raducanu kept the look simple, completing it with subtle gold top earrings and a matching bangle. Her brunette locks loose around her shoulders complemented the minimal makeup look — something that Raducanu has always sported for public events and photoshoots.
Raducanu celebrated her win against 19-year-old Canadian rival Leylah Fernandez by kissing her trophy in front of an ecstatic audience at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. She didn't shy away from complimenting her opponent for 'overcoming adversity' during both sets. "I thought from the very beginning, I knew it was going to be a very difficult match," Raducanu said, adding: "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 were 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 she was asked about how it felt to have Grand Slam trophy in her hands, Raducanu replied: "It’s an absolute dream. You just have visions of yourself going up to the box hugging everyone, celebrating. 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." But soaring up her ranking from 150 to 23 wasn't the only significant perk of Raducanu's big win as she also earned about a whopping $2.5 million (£1.8 million) cheque and a personal letter from the Queen herself, who told her: 'It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication'."
Raducanu's victory was also congratulated by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, who praised her "stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory!" British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also poured in with hearty congratulations, saying, "we are all hugely proud of you" as he praised the athlete's "extraordinary skill, poise and guts".