Emma Raducanu ‘to get an OBE from the Queen’ in New Year’s honours making her one of youngest ever recipients at 18
EMMA Raducanu will reportedly be rewarded by the Queen with an OBE for her extraordinary US Open victory.
The 18-year-old tennis sensation would be among the youngest ever recipients were she to pick up such an honour following her historic triumph in New York.
Raducanu – who has just taken her A-levels – thrashed Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3, at Flushing Meadows on Saturday night.
She made history as the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977 — in a triumph widely viewed as unparalleled for a young British athlete.
The Daily Telegraph reports she is certain to receive at least an MBE in the New Year’s honours list.
And insiders say there will be debate around her becoming a rare teenage recipient of the OBE given the sheer magnitude of her achievement.
She is also 1/12 odds on favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year after putting GB’s Olympic heroes and the England football team in the shade.
After her straight-sets victory. Raducanu was immediately presented with a letter from the Queen praising her feat.
The teenager was taken aback by a congratulatory letter from the Queen and insists she will cherish it forever.
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Raducanu said: “It meant everything to get a message from Her Majesty. She’s such a great inspiration and role model for the whole country so to have a note from her.
“I was extremely honoured and very very grateful that she took notice of my tennis. I can’t believe it.
“I’m maybe going to frame that letter or something.”
The Monarch’s letter read: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is a 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.”
Raducanu silenced a New York crowd that was heavily cheering on Canada’s Fernandez to win 6-4 6-3.
Betfair has odds of just 1/12 on her being crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Meanwhile, brand experts estimate that her likely career earnings will be more than £100 million.
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