Emma Raducanu...

Since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon, back in 1977, there hasn’t been much to cheer about in British women’s tennis. There has been plenty of hope, as one player after another tried to climb the greasy pole of tennis success, but not many trophies in the cabinet (and not a single major). So Emma Raducanu’s achievement, in winning the US Open last night, is extraordinary.

She had to come through qualification for the event - that’s three extra matches - and didn’t lose a single set on her way to the title. She is the first woman to win a major at only her second attempt. She is the first qualifier, man or woman, to win a major. And, at 18, she is the youngest major champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004. Going into the tournament her world ranking was 150 (now it will be 23).

I watched the match last night: a couple of hours well-spent. I don't know how those girls hit the ball so hard, and find the corners of the court with such precision and regularity. Emma will need a removals van to carry all the money she's going to make over the next ten years, and the film of her meteoric rise to stardom, in just three months, will soon be in production. There’s no need for the BBC to nominate anyone else for the Sports Personality of the Year Award. All bets are off; the destination of the trophy has already been decided...