The reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been named the Sportswoman of the Year by the Sunday Times.
Emma Raducanu is a name many heard for the first time at the 2021 Wimbledon when the wild card recipient announced herself to the wider tennis audience with some smashing play at her home Grand Slam. The Brit eventually was forced to retire after experiencing breathing issues during her 4th round match against Tomljanovic.
Many were quick to point out that the Brit was overwhelmed by the occasion at such a young age but many also did not realize that not long after that she would achieve something that has never been done. No qualifier ever won a grand slam and the Brit was able to do that at the 2021 US Open. Her run included tremendous victories over many difficult opponents with the only set dropped coming in the qualifiers.
In the final, she defeated another youngster Leylah Fernandez to claim her maiden grand slam trophy at the age of ¸18. That allowed her a historic jump of over 150 spots on the Rankings which is a record. Everything about that triumph was historic which is why the Sunday Times names her their Sportswoman of the Year.
Rebecca Myers, Sunday Times journalist and lead reporter for the Sportswomen of the Year awards, said: "Congratulations to all our winners in what has been a groundbreaking year for women's sport. Our very worthy Sportswoman of the Year for 2021, Emma Raducanu, made history at the US Open and inspired so many young girls and women back home with her success."
This year's Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2021 is @emmaraducanu 🏆 Emma showed us a glimpse of the exciting future ahead when she stunned the crowds at Wimbledon — before triumphing at the US Open just two months later #SportswomenOfTheYear sportswomenoftheyear.co.uk/#home
