18-year-old US Open champ Emma Raducanu was giddy after receiving a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth
- Emma Raducanu won the 2021 US Open in straight sets.
- With the victory, the 18-year-old became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam in 44 years.
- Queen Elizabeth wrote Raducanu a letter praising her "remarkable achievement at such a young age."
Emma Raducanu earned a shiny new trophy, $2.5 million dollars, and countless new fans with her stunning US Open victory.
But the 18-year-old British wunderkind's latest achievement may be the most significant of all.
Raducanu received a personalized letter from Her Majesty The Queen following her magical run to the US Open final. The young star became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam in 44 years and the first player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam after starting the tournament as a qualifier.
The feat was more than enough to draw praise from Queen Elizabeth:
"I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships," Her Majesty wrote in the letter. "It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication."
Raducanu was so pleasantly surprised by her acknowledgement from the Queen - who she described as "such a great inspiration and role model for the whole country" - that she told the BBC that she might have to "frame that letter."
Her Majesty took time to praise Raducanu's opponent, Canadian Leylah Fernandez, as well.
"I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players," the Queen added. "I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters."
Both Raducanu and Fernandez made their first career appearances in a Grand Slam final during Saturday's title match. And though Raducanu went on to win the match in straight sets, Fernandez - just 19 years old herself - showed plenty of fight throughout the competition and looks poised to enjoy a lengthy pro career alongside Raducanu.
The pair have captured the attention and hearts of millions in their respective countries following their impressive runs to the title. Fernandez earned praise not only from her native Canada but also from the Philippines, where she traces her roots on her mom's side.
Raducanu, meanwhile, has been a fan-favorite in the UK as well as in China, as her mother is Chinese. She even addressed some of her new supporters in Mandarin following her US Open win.
Between her stellar play, dual heritage, and youth, the 18-year-old is well positioned to become the UK's highest-earning female athlete down the line, experts say. But for now, Raducanu is likely to bask in the glory of her first Grand Slam victory - and head to a frame shop to get that letter mounted on the wall.