Emma Raducanu reunited with parents as she arrives back in UK – five days after making tennis history
Proud father Ian lifted her hand in the air before putting his arms around his daughter outside the family home in Bromley.
On Saturday, Raducanu became the first British woman to win a major title in 44 years, and the first qualifier in history to lift a grand slam.
Her parents – Romanian father Ian and Chinese mother Renee – had been unable to watch their daughter triumph in person as they could not secure the visas needed to fly to New York.
A driving force behind the teen tennis star, Raducanu said her parents were “proud and happy” following her win, adding: “They’re my toughest critics and so hard to please – but I got them this time!
As a result of her victory, the teenager has shot up 127 places in the world tennis rankings, from 150th to 23rd.
Her achievement was all the more remarkable as throughout her qualifying and main draw matches on the way to lifting the trophy, she did not drop a single set.
Following the New York tournament, the 18-year-old spent several days sightseeing in the city before returning home.
She made her debut at the Met Gala dressed in a black and white Chanel ensemble and visited the New York Stock Exchange.
Emma Raducanu aged 11 on US Open dream
Raducanu’s success prompted praise from around the world – including royalty, other sports stars and celebrities, with the Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge among those congratulating the tennis star.
In a letter, the Queen wrote: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.”
