Emma Raducanu’s parents forced to miss historic US Open final due to Covid travel restrictions

TENNIS sensation Emma Raducanu will make history when she competes in the US Open final but her parents won't be there to see it.

The 18-year-old became the first qualifier in the Open era to reach the final of a major tournament and will also be the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004.

Raducanu will be brimming with confidence after storming her way to Saturday's final, but mum Renee and dad Ian won't be in attendance after it was revealed they were not able to travel due to Covid travel restrictions.

When asked about her parents coming to watch her play, Raducanu said: "It's not possible, because you need a waiver and it takes a couple weeks for approval.

"It's too late and they won't be able to get one.”

When she arrived in New York for her qualifiers, few predicted the Orpington teenager would go beyond the early rounds - let alone make it to the last two.

Raducanu defeated world number 18 Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Thursday night to continue her historic run.

The Bromley native overcame her opponent 6-1 in the first set, before sealing the victory by winning the second set 6-4 and booking her place in the final.

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Raducanu will have the chance to make more history when she faces fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the final on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Canadian has had a tougher time getting to the final than her opponent, needing three sets to overcome four of her six opponents in the tournament so far.

Fernandez narrowly beat world number 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a tight semi-final battle in New York.

The Canadian won the first set 7-6, before losing the second set 6-4 and eventually winning the third set 6-4.

It remains to be seen whether Raducanu will win, but she will certainly have plenty of support back home as she seeks to win her first Grand Slam at just 18-year-old and will win a staggering £1.8million jackpot if she does.

After reaching the final, the teenager said: "I knew I had some sort of level inside of me that was similar to these girls, but I didn't know if I was able to maintain it over a set or over two sets.

"It's been extremely difficult because they always fight - they have so much experience which they use.

“I'm just so, so proud to have come through very tough moments in all of my matches.

"To be able to do it and play the best players in the world and beat them, I honestly can't believe it."