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Raducanu, who had never played in a senior tournament of this level before, was ranked 361st around the world at the beginning of June.
US Open 2021 Venue Flushing Meadows New York Date: 30-08-12 September Coverage: Daily radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra/BBC Sport website, app. Also, live text commentaries and match report on the app.
Emma Raducanu, a British teenager, reached the US Open semi-finals. It was so amazing to her that she booked flights to the UK just a fortnight before.
Briton, 18, is the first qualifier to reach New York's last four Grand Slam Finals.
The world number 150 stated, "I didn’t expect to be there at all."
"My flights were booked after qualifying so it's a great problem to have."
Raducanu's rapid rise continued when she reached Flushing Meadows semi-finals with a straight set win over Belinda Bencic, the Swiss 11th seed, on Wednesday.
Raducanu, who has just completed her A Levels, will be the British woman's number one and rise to the top of the world's 50 most influential women.
She said, "It certainly means a lot for me to be in the semifinals."
"I am just enjoying the experience. "I was thinking to myself out there on the court that this could be your last Ashe experience, so I decided to just enjoy it and have fun."
The downside of the surprise run is that Raducanu's parents Renee and Ian have not been able see any matches for their daughter firsthand.
Due to strict travel restrictions to the United States, neither will be able to attend Thursday's semifinal against Karolina Pliskova (Czech fourth seed) or Maria Sakkari (17th seed) from Greece.
Raducanu stated, "It's impossible because you need to get a waiver. It takes several weeks for approval. Raducanu stated that it's too late for them to obtain one.
She smiled wide and said, "I haven’t actually called my parents in quite some time." They were ghosting me earlier this week, but they are now just curious to know how I am.
"British legends provide inspiration"
Wade (center) watched Raducanu's fourth-round match in the US Open against Shelby Rogers
Raducanu is the first British woman to reach the US Open semi-finals since Jo Durie, 1983. Virginia Wade was the last British woman to win the title in 1968.
Wade sat in on Raducanu's match with Shelby Rogers Monday. The younger Briton addressed the 76-year old and called her an "absolute legendary" during the postmatch interview.
Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, won the 2012 men's tournament as part of his journey towards becoming a British legend.
Murray, 34, was the former world number one. He has been practicing with Raducanu at Roehampton's National Tennis Centre and also played against Raducanu in mixed doubles at last year's Battle of Brits event.
Tim Henman (another notable British ex-player) has been also watching Raducanu courtside at Flushing Meadows as part of his role as a TV analyst.
"I find their presence and all they have accomplished inspiring. Raducanu stated that we have many role models to admire.
"I haven't had the opportunity to spend as much time with them personally, but Andy has spoken to me quite often and I hit with him twice, which was great for me to see his ball speed, and how skilled he is.
"All of them are so great role models and figures that I can follow."
The future looks bright for teenagers!
Raducanu's success is due to the fact that a number of young stars have filled in for many big names, including Serena Williams and Roger Federer.
Canada's Leylah Fernandez, 19, has captured perhaps more attention than Raducanu in New York. She beat Japan's defending champion Naomi Osaka, Germany’s three-time Grand Slam champion Angeliquekerber, and Ukraine's fifth seed Elina Stvitolina in her three previous matches.
Carlos Alcaraz (18), from Spain, is another teenager who has shown his talent on the biggest stage.
Raducanu and Fernandez have been paired in the four previous rounds, making it the first time since 2009 that two teens have reached the US Open women’s singles semi-finals.
Raducanu was asked how Fernandez's success inspires her. She said that seeing so many young players succeed showed "how strong is the next generation".
Fernandez revealed that she had given out cupcakes in the locker to celebrate her 19th Birthday earlier this week. She added, "Layla's really nice. However, everyone is on their own path.
"I'm here to take control of what I can and it is my journey at the end.
"I believe that comparing yourself and your results with anyone is like the thief to happiness.
"I couldn't compete for 18 month [because of the coronavirus epidemic], but here I am and it just proves that anything is possible if you believe.
