US Open sees rise of two new WTA superstars
In tennis, Grand Slam events are the pinnacle of the sport. They are the premium tournament, where the best get to showcase their elite ability. Rarely do we see someone make a huge jump in terms of progress at Grand Slam level until they have showcased their ability elsewhere. This is a big reason why the 2021 US Open is such an interesting and even rare feat; we are seeing the rise of two young WTA superstars.
In Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu, we have two outstanding players who could be part of the top WTA listings for years to come.
Both are set to take part in the Semi Finals of the US Open, a Grand Slam first for both. In the event, we have watched as both players find their feet at the highest level of competitive tennis. The end result? Two outstanding young professionals who have shown grit, determination, and no shortage of skill to reach this fabled stage of the US Open.
Canadian tennis will be buzzing with the rise of Fernandez, just as UK tennis will be about Raducanu. Both players also represent the increasing multicultural background of both nations.
How did Fernandez and Raducanu reach this stage of the US Open?
Both players have made their way to the Semi Final stage by coming through very tough opponents. Indeed, Fernandez came through a whopping event despite only turning 19 on Monday. She was able to come through a tough tie with the hugely decorated Elina Svitolina, setting up a last four meeting with the hugely talented Aryna Sabalenka.
Coming through 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in a New York classic, the Canadian was able to put herself front and centre by beating one of the remaining favourites for the entire event. It was a hugely impressive performance, and one that shows further the huge level of growth that is coming at youth level in Canadian tennis.
Raducanu also has to face off against a challenging foe, taking on the hugely impressive Belinda Bencic. The 11th seed at the tournament, the Swiss is a regular trophy winner and a hugely respected name on the WTA circuit. To overcome a player of standing like this was seen as a huge feather in the cap of the highly talented young Briton.
In the match, she come through with an immense display of quality and composure, defeating her opponent in a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 victory. Defeating such a well-respected name is a huge boon for Raducanu, and another example of her growing fame within the sport.
Both players will take to the court on Friday, and will be expected to be able to reach the Final given the opponents they have just taken out. This will see Raducanu face off against Maria Sakkari, as the Greek overcame the hugely impressive Karolina Pliskova is a pulsating match herself.
Two new stars on the WTA circuit have arrived – can they make good on their near-limitless potential? We will find out this weekend.
