Emma Raducanu added another title to her glittering trophy collection, winning the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday. The 19-year-old tennis star bagged the prestigious honor after winning the US Open at Flushing Meadows back in September. Raducanu finished first in the public vote, ahead of diver Tom Daley, who was second, and swimmer Adam Peaty, who placed third.
Raducanu nabs award after fairytale US Open win
Raducanu fully deserved the award as she ended Great Britain's long 44-year wait for a women's Grand Slam singles champion this year. She captured the imagination of tennis fans everywhere with her fairytale run to the title in New York, becoming the first qualifier in the Open era to win a Grand Slam championship.
With her straight-sets win over Leylah Fernandez in the 2021 US Open final, Raducanu became the youngest women's Grand Slam champion since Maria Sharapova won the Wimbledon Championship back in 2004. Raducanu also became the youngest Briton to win a Grand Slam and the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to not drop a single set in the US Open.
Raducanu, who reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon before her dream run in New York, becomes the first female tennis player since Virginia Wade in 1977 to be crowned Sports Personality of the Year. Wade was the last British woman to capture a Grand Slam singles title.
Apart from Daley and Peaty, Raducanu also defeated boxer Tyson Fury, Great Britain's most successful Paralympian Sarah Storey, and Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, for the top prize.
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Raducanu makes history with SPOTY win
Raducanu paid tribute to her fellow nominated athletes, saying "It's such an honour just to be among these nominees. Congrats to you and all your achievements." Raducanu added "I'm really happy with this, I've watched Sports Personality of the Year growing up and it's an honour to be among those past winners."
Raducanu gave thanks to all the fans and voters, saying that she is happy for British tennis that they have managed to get this award again. The last tennis player to bring home the award was Andy Murray back in 2016, the third time he managed to capture the top honor. Raducanu is also the first female athlete to win the SPOTY in 15 years, with Zara Phillips the last woman to nab the award back in 2006.
Other athletes who took home honors this weekend were Jen Beattie (Helen Rollason Award), Gareth Southgate (Coach of the Year), England men's football team (Team of the Year), Rachael Blackmore (World Sport Star), Simone Biles (Lifetime Achievement), Sam Barlow (Unsung Hero), and Sky Brown (Young Sports Personality of the Year).
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