The UK recently watched with baited breath as rank outsider Emma Raducanu became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam title since 1977.
Sports fans were glued to their television sets as the 18-year-old from Bromley, Kent gave an outstanding performance at the final of the 2021 US Open on Saturday, 11th September. Raducanu dominated the game from the start, and eventually took the title with a two set win over Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
After starting as a relative unknown with a ranking of 150, her win has been regarded as an astonishing feat of sportsmanship. Along with the title, and a $2.5 million prize, the youngster also takes away one of tennis’ most prestigious engraved awards.
Although Raducanu won’t be allowed to keep the original trophy, she will have an exact replica to take home with her. Made by the jeweller Tiffany and Co, both the men’s and the women’s trophies are made of sterling silver, and they are engraved with the winners names, as well as the name of the tournament title. Both trophies are adorned with two handles and come complete with a matching lid. The men’s trophy is slightly taller than the women’s, and both are carefully crafted by the master silversmiths.
British tennis fans will likely be hoping that Raducanu can mimic both Chris Evert and Serena Williams, who hold the record for lifting the trophy six times each. Raducanu was also the first British woman to win a Grand Slam tournament since Virginia Wade won at Wimbledon.
