The Queen has led a wave of tributes to Emma Raducanu following her “remarkable achievement” in winning the US Open.

The British teenager, who arrived in New York last month with a ranking of 150th and just one Grand Slam appearance to her name, beat Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in Saturday’s final.

In a statement, the Queen wrote: “I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. 

“It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.  I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”

TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images

Following her win, Emma said: “You say, ‘I want to win a Grand Slam.’ But to have the belief I did, and actually executing, winning a Grand Slam,” Emma said, “I can’t believe it.”

Until three months ago, Emma had never played in a professional tour-level event, in part because of the pandemic and her parents’ insistence that she complete her high school degree.

“My dad is definitely very tough to please,” the 18-year-old said with a smile following her victory. “But I managed to today.”

Emma also put a smile on the faces of many famous Brits, who rushed to congratulate her on social media…

Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. @LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 11, 2021

What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu 🇬🇧

You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.#USOpen

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 11, 2021

What a winner. A true British hero. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on an inspirational win. From qualifier to champion without dropping a set. A phenomenal achievement. #USOpen

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 11, 2021

Not even hyperbole – That is one of the greatest sporting achievements in British history.

A teenage qualifier, never drops a set or even more than four games in any set for the entire tournament! And goes on to become the #USOpen Champion! 🏆🎾🙌🏼🇬🇧

🤯🤯🤯 #Raducanu

— Sam Quek (@SamanthaQuek) September 11, 2021

First time in my life I’ve ever tweeted whilst on air but my goodness what a performance, what a triumph, what an amazing young woman. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set. Extraordinarily fabulous. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) September 11, 2021

Emma Raducanu – 20 straight sets. What a performance?
What a legend?
The game I love played beautifully. I think it’s ok I shed a tear. Congratulations Emma & also well done on those A Levels

— Jimmy Carr (@jimmycarr) September 11, 2021

This is mental isn’t it. THE US OPEN. What a moment. The first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam Final let alone win it. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED.

— Greg James (@gregjames) September 11, 2021

Struggling to get my head around what @EmmaRaducanu has achieved.
Incredible stuff. It is so hard to maintain the intensity & quality when it means so much. Get in 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 11, 2021

Magnificent Raducanu’s tennis win describes a New World: so good, so diverse and so full of potential – but wow it takes hard work. What a win, what a night!

— Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) September 11, 2021

Never played a major tournament 3 months ago and 20 straight sets later wins US Open. Whatever happened before she ‘retired’ Wimbledon 4th round the result is the success formula:
pain + mental strength + monumental talent = winner. This is @EmmaRaducanu & YOU ¥$%€# DID IT! 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/dyjXRRoaQ5

— Omid Djalili (@omid9) September 11, 2021