The unlikeliest major final in tennis history is set to take place at the US Open as 150th-ranked British qualifier Emma Raducanu faces 73rd-ranked Canadian Leylah Fernandez.

The 18-year old Raducanu has not lost a set in her nine matches with victories over Bibiane Schoofs, Mariam Bolkvadze and Mayar Sherif in qualifying. 

She followed that up with wins against Stefanie Voegele, Shuai Zhang, Sara Sorribes Tormo, Shelby Rogers, 11th seed Belinda Bencic and 17th seed Maria Sakkari.

By contrast, the 19-year old Fernandez started with easy victories over qualifier Ana Konjuh and Kaia Kanepi before three-set wins over defending champion Naomi Osaka, 16th seed Angelique Kerber, fifth seed Elina Svitolina and second seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Fernandez has come through several tough matches through the tournament/Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
Fernandez has come through several tough matches through the tournament/Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

This will be the first major title for either player with only one prior meeting between the two with Raducanu prevailing in the second round of Wimbledon juniors.

Analysis

Raducanu has a complete game as she has shown a strong serve, the ability to generate winners from both the forehand and backhand and has excellent shot placement with her groundstrokes.

The Raducanu forehand is a key shot for her that can produce many winners/Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
The Raducanu forehand is a key shot for her that can produce many winners/Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Fernandez has a toughness about her that has allowed her to get through these recent matches and her leftiness has allowed her to get a different spin on the ball. Her serve is going to be key as Raducanu will look to take advantage of any openings.

The Brit can finish off points at the net while the Canadian is not very comfortable moving forward. The backhand will be Fernandez's key shot as her forehand can land short in the court.

Assessment

This is a match for everyone to enjoy as you may never see the circumstances surrounding both Raducanu and Fernandez getting to this point ever again.

They have gotten here in different ways with the Brit dominating her opponents and the Canadian winning long matches.

It should be a close match with both players having their moments, but I feel Raducanu has shown a higher level throughout the tournament.

A special announcement 

I normally would give you who I think will win and in how many sets. Rather, I would like to take this opportunity to say that today's historic occasion in Flushing Meadows is also a historic day in New York City. 

It is the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and as a native New Yorker, I ask you to hold a moment of silence for the heroes we lost that day in 2001.

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