Emma Raducanu had an exceptional season last year, and she was rewarded for it by winning the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
The Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award recognizes the most impressive young athletes who broke through in their respective sports. Raducanu's win recognized her success in the 2022 WTA season.
Raducanu started the 2021 season as world number 345, having almost no experience with the WTA Tour. However, throughout the year, she worked her way up and could join the qualifying for the 2021 US Open.
She made her way through the qualifying without losing a set to reach the main draw of the last major of the season, which was only her second main draw appearance at a Grand Slam tournament and her first without a wild card.
Then, she bested everyone at the New York Slam without losing a set to become the first-ever qualifier to win a major. From the start of the qualifying, it's been a dream ride for Raducanu, which stopped with a title in her hands.
Then 18-year-old Brit went without losing a set throughout the tournament to win her first Grand Slam title. Since she's become a well-known name in the world of tennis, she has signed many partnerships and won many awards.
Now, she's added another to her collection when she's won the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. With the deserved award in her hands, Raducanu recognized her fellow nominees, but also showed gratitude for her win.
"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."