Billie Jean King praises Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez

Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez are receiving praise from both the British royal family and tennis royalty.

Billie Jean King congratulated the teens on Twitter after their historic US Open final, calling the matchup a “terrific display of competition & maturity from two exceptional players.”

What a terrific display of competition & maturity from two exceptional players.

It is wonderful to see this generation living our dream.

I can’t remember a #USOpen with better crowd support. Thank you, NY, the greatest fans in the world.

And congratulations, Emma! pic.twitter.com/fQcOMkV3wk

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 11, 2021

Queen Elizabeth II also acknowledged Raducanu’s achievement. The 18-year-old is the first British woman to win a major title since Virginia Wade lifted the trophy at Wimbledon in 1977.

“I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships,” the Queen said in an official statement. “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.'

Read The Queen's message to @EmmaRaducanu in full: https://t.co/m5lxaH7kKi pic.twitter.com/aFSaCisDC0

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 11, 2021

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also congratulated Raducanu, writing, “We are all so proud of you.”

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