Emma Raducanu stunned the tennis world when she reached the US Open semi-finals by defeating Olympic champion Belinda Bencic in straight sets on Wednesday.
Raducanu advanced to the next round after winning 6-3, 6-4, eliminating the Swiss player and Tokyo gold medallist.
The 18-year-old is the youngest Briton to reach the final four at this tournament in more than 60 years and has not dropped a set in eight matches.
Raducanu, who arrived at Flushing Meadows ranked 150th in the world, now stands a real chance of winning the whole tournament, while her on-court composure and off-court charm have already made her a fan-favourite.
What did the pundits say?
Former tennis player Annabel Croft said: “It is just mindblowing but maybe not. She is a problem solver and once she found her flow she totally dismantled the Olympic champion. She is so mentally strong.” While another former tennis player, Anne Keothavong, stated: “She is playing such good tennis and she looks like she belongs on the big stage.”
Tim Henman was equally complimentary, saying that “she is not getting too caught up in all the media attention. She is in a great spot. There were 256 when she started and they are down to the last four.”
Naomi Broady, the current British tennis player, said: “Everyone might say we need to calm down but because of the run she’s on now, we can live in the moment.”
Tracy Austin, the former world no 1, offered some technical analysis of tennis’ new star. “What a story! Emma Raducanu into the US Open semi-finals as a qualifier without dropping a set. Poised, moves well on offence and defence, aggressive minded and just the beginning.”
It was not just tennis players that were impressed with the performance of Raducanu. TV presenter Clare Balding added: “Wow wow wow. Emma Raducanu what a star you are. I watched with my lovely neighbours and have shouted myself hoarse.”
Former England footballer and TV presenter Gary Lineker shared his thoughts, stating: “What a performance. What a triumph. What a future.18-year-old Emma Raducanu is through to the semi-finals of the US Open. Stunning. Well played.”
What did the newspapers from around the world say?
The New York Times focused on the excitement of watching young stars rise, while their tennis correspondent, Christopher Clarey, called her achievement “truly extraordinary”.
Los Angeles Times sports columnist Helene Elliott hoped the young talent at the US Open can enjoy the spotlight and avoid stress that hurt Naomi Osaka.
Many agreed that Raducanu’s achievements have been phenomenal.
The New York Post ran the headline “Teenage phenom Emma Raducanu marches into US Open semifinals”.
Switzerland’s outlet 24 Heures conceded that the Swiss player was eliminated by “the Raducanu phenomenon”.
France’s sport newspaper L’Equipe tweeted Raducanu’s was in convincing form.
And in Spain, AS, the sport daily, applauded the 18-year-old’s advance to the semi-final without losing a set.
Australia’s The Herald Sun also acknowledged the stunning run the British teen has had at the tournament.