Emma Raducanu wins 2022 Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year

Emma Raducanu’s stunning 2021 US Open run—where she became the first qualifier in history to lift a major trophy clinching all 20 sets she played no less—has seen the captivating teenager amass a growing sponsorship portfolio, millions of Instagram followers and an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The Brit can now add the 2022 Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year after being crowned over the weekend. She beat out fellow 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev, Pedri (football), Neeraj Chopra (athletics), Yulimar Rojas (athletics) and Ariarne Titmus (swimming).

"It means so much to receive this award and I really want to congratulate my other nominees. I feel like it's been a really great year for me but I've still got a lot of work to do,” Raducanu said.

The 19-year-old received a special video message from one of her tennis heroes.

“Hey Emma, Li Na here to say congrats. I’m happy that as a member of the Academy that my colleagues and I have chosen you as the winner,” the 2019 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee said.

Raducanu joins elite company in this category and if history repeats itself, has more big moments in store to come. All of the past tennis recipients reached No. 1 and became multiple major champions: Marat Safin, Rafael Nadal, Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray and Naomi Osaka.

This week, Raducanu celebrates a new career-high WTA ranking after jumping to No. 11 following her quarterfinal showing in Stuttgart. Among her previous honors included being named the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.