British tennis prodigy Emma Raducanu has been crowned this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The 19-year-old was presented with the honour following her incredible debut season on the WTA Tour which included her stunning US Open victory where she didn’t drop a set.
Voted by the public, the Brits must have been pleased with Raducanu’s efforts at Flushing Meadows, her triumph breaking England’s 44-year drought for a women’s Grand Slam singles champion.
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https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1472672731166654474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Olympic sportspeople dominated the voting with diver Tom Daley awarded runner up and swimmer Adam Peaty given third.
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, boxer Tyson Fury, and paralympian Sarah Storey were also shortlisted.
Following the announcement, Raducanu reflected on her fairytale entrance to professional women’s tennis.
“It’s such an honour just to be among these nominees. Congrats to you and all your achievements,” she said.
“I’m really happy with this, I’ve watched Sports Personality of the Year growing up and it’s an honour to be among those past winners.
“I’m happy for British tennis as well, and that we’ve managed to get this award…again!
“Thanks to all the fans and voters, this year has been insane. The energy this year playing at Wimbledon in front of my home crowd, that was something I’ve never felt before.”
Raducanu is the first female to win the BBC’s main award since Zara Tindall (nee Phillips) in 2006.
Andy Murray was the last tennis player to receive the award. He was bestowed the honour for a third time in 2016.
The current world No.19, Raducanu will be at Melbourne Park in January to contest the Australian Open for the first time.
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