At the US Open, the first teen-final since 1999. Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu increasing worry among experts and the opposition, for astonishment.

Emma Raducanu was shocked completely, for Leylah Fernandez, the moment just felt only magical to: The two teenagers who know each other since frühester youth, could not understand even what they were just the Dollhouse Arthur Ashe Stadium had done. For the first time since 1999, two players duel under 20 years to the pretty silver trophy of the US Open. And they have striking similarities.

. I can honestly do not think it’s crazy, the 18-year-old Briton said Raducanu after without dropping a set in the tournament with a 6: 1, 6: 4 semi-final success against the Greek Maria Sakkari to the final on Saturday (22 aM / euro Sport) had moved: I have no words for it that I’m so early in my career already in a Grand Slam final.

It is a special final two shooting stars that hardly anyone had on the bill, certainly not in the way. Even Fernandez, just turned 19, had the 7: 6 (7: 3), 4: 6, 6: 4 enthusiastically against the world number two Aryna Sabalenka with amazing resilience and Technology – as it did in their victories over defending champion Naomi Osaka or Angelique Kerber ,

All the blood, all the tears, the sacrifices and the hard work has paid off, said Fernandez, who had previously overwhelmed slumped to her knees and covered her face.

Raducanu and Fernandez know each other from childhood

Sabalenka, also only 23 years old Bela Russian woman had more than ever squinted at the big title win after the early departure of the top favorites Ashleigh Barty and Osaka. The same applied to Sakkari. But nothing there. Last-finals teenager in Flushing Meadows against Martina Hingis had prevailed 22 years ago Serena Williams in one.

The new winner of the tournament in New York came in 2002 in Canada to the world and has an Asian mother – so much is already clear. Because that meets Fernandez and Raducanu to alike. But Fernandez is still playing for the North American country, although they now good training conditions has made over due to Florida.

Both know each other from childhood. We were under the age of twelve, we call for the first time have been in contact, said Raducanu, who has managed the first qualifier ever to the finals of major. The similar roots as daughters of immigrants to Canada made them curious about each other, but a real friendship was not it. 2018 it came at Wimbledon for juniors duel, lost Fernandez in straight sets. But the game is not to be compared with what he knows is the young stars in the eyes of the world public.

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In the final game is one of the biggest titles in tennis with a victory would have met abruptly for Raducanu and Fernandez dreams. All the hardships of their designed for the career childhood would pay at a stroke – at least financially. 2.5 million US dollars (about 2.1 million euros) sweeps a the winner, the loser gets half. Not a bad pocket money for the two teens.