Raducanu reunited with US Open trophy as British tennis star scoops more awards

The Bromley tennis sensation has enjoyed a whirlwind year, clinching the grand slam in September - Britain's first female to do so in 44 years.

The 19-year-old beat Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in New York, not dropping a single set on her way to victory.

And now she has finally got her hands back on the US Open trophy as the Lawn Tennis Association posted pictures of her with the prize.

Raducanu has given her trophy to the National Tennis Centre on a long-term loan as a thank you.

In October, she said: "I just think the LTA have done so much for me, and I wanted them to have it as a sign and a big thank you for everything they done, helping me through the young ages."

The awards kept coming as Raducanu was also named WTA Newcomer of the Year.

A Tour statement said: "Emma made history in 2021 by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam at the US Open, where she did not drop a set throughout all ten of her matches.

"Having made her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon this year, she also reached the last 16 to become the youngest British woman ever to reach this stage at the All-England Club."

She has also picked up the BT Sport Action Woman of the Year prize and the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award.

Raducanu is also the favourite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but she thinks the award should go to Lewis Hamilton.

She said: "He's just been really cool and helping me. Like he said, be patient. You have just got to ride the wave.

"I'm rooting for Lewis. He's been such a good role model for me in terms of helping me out and through these next stages."

Raducanu will now be gearing up for the 2022 season and the Australian Open in January.

She was confirmed as an entrant, as expected, for the tournament in Melbourne.