Emma Raducanu ends historic season by being awarded one of Britain’s highest honours

Emma Raducanu is “immensely proud and grateful” to be awarded an MBE by the Queen following her US Open victory, adding this accolade to her growing list of awards.

As a result of her remarkable breakthrough season, 19-year-old British sensation Raducanu swept multiple sporting awards and has now been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours List to receive an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

The Brit also won the WTA Newcomer of the Year, BT Sport Action Woman of the Year and the BBC’s Sport Personality of the Year Awards.

Raducanu shocked the world when she won the US Open at just 18 years old, becoming the first ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament.

She also achieved this feat without dropping a single set against some of the world’s best, including World number six Maria Sakkari and Swiss Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic.

An MBE is the third highest Order of the British Empire award, only bettered by an OBE (Officer) and a CBE (Commander).

Following Raducanu’s historic US Open win, Queen Elizabeth II wrote to Raducanu to say “I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships.

“It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is 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 told the BBC that “it meant everything to get a message from Her Majesty [the Queen]. 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.”

“It makes me immensely proud and grateful to be listed to receive an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen. This year has been full of amazing surprises for me so to end 2021 with this appointment is very special.”

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