Bromley tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, 18, wins US Open and banks $2.5m prize money

South London raised Emma Raducanu beat Leylah Fernandez to win the women’s US Open.

The 18-year-old, who was brought up in Bromley, became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977.

Raducanu, who did not drop a single set over the course of the tournament, takes home the $2.5million winners cheque in just her fourth senior tournament.

Raducanu was coached at The Parklangley Club in Beckenham and attended Newstead Woods school in Orpington.

“I want to congratulate Leylah and her team on an incredible fortnight, she’s beaten some of the best players in the world and it was a difficult match with a high level.

I hope we can play each other in many more tournaments and hopefully finals,” said Raducanu.

“As for the three weeks in New York, having such a supportive team, my coach, the fitness team, Will, my agent, the LTA – everybody that is here and everyone watching back at home thank you so much.

“Most of all thank you to New York for making me feel so at home, from my first qualifying match, all the way to the final I have loved playing in front of you and you have spurred me on in some difficult moments.

“Somehow I fell and I thought that would throw me off balance as I was going to have to serve, I was just praying not for a double fault, but we got through it!”