Emma will be biggest name in tennis

Wimbledon legend Cash says 18-year-old Brit sensation Raducanu’s fairytale of New York will see her dominate tennis for years to come. TENNIS’S NEW GOLDEN GIRL IS HERE

- Lucy Johnston and Jon Coates

EMMA Raducanu will become the biggest name in tennis after her fairytale US Open run, says former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

The Australian legend said Raducanu, 18, and her Canadian opponent Leylah Fernandez, 19, are set to fill the void when Serena Williams retires.

He added only Japanese star Naomi Osaka can rival them as the two teenagers dominate tennis for years to come.

Cash, 56, said: “She [Raducanu] is a great athlete on all surfaces. We may be losing Serena, but now Naomi Osaka and Emma will lead the pack. And unless they get injured, they will be the biggest names in both men’s and women’s tennis for years.”

He added: “It’s absolutely mind blowing to think these two young girls, 18 and 19, made the final. This weekend has been history in the making.

“Even I’m confused about what’s going on – to see these girls, and the others not able to win matches against them.”

Cash, who was Wimbledon champion in 1987, said Emma would have learned a lot from her own run at the All England Tennis Club this summer.

Just after sitting her A-levels in maths and economics at Newstead Wood School in Orpington, Kent, Raducanu was given a wildcard entry to Wimbledon when ranked 338 in the world.