TENNIS clubs across St Helens have passed on their congratulations to Britain's Emma Raducanu after her shock triumph in the women's US Open final on Saturday.
The 18-year-old became the first British female of a Grand Slam singles event since 1977 after her victory in New York.
Raducanu beat fellow Canada's Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 to end Britain's 44-year wait for a women's singles champion in a major.
Tennis clubs in the town have added their congratulation and hope the victory can inspire youngsters in the area to pick up a racket and give the sport a try.
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Here is what clubs across the borough said to the Star after the 18-year-old's amazing win.
Eccleston Park Tennis Club
"Eccleston Park Tennis club would like to congratulate Emma Raducanu on one the best sporting achievements by any British athlete in winning the US Open at the weekend.
"She has inspired a generation of new tennis players and we welcome anyone of any age or ability in the St Helens area to pick up a racquet whether that may be for the first time or not and join us to play this fantastic sport."
The club added: For details about joining the club visit: www.epltc.co.uk (there are membership packages for all ages and we have 4 floodlit, all weather courts which allow for play all year round)
"For details about coaching packages we are currently running visit: https://wedotennis.co.uk/eccleston-park (we have our LTA youth start courses starting at the end of September aimed at 4-11 yrs olds and you get a free racquet, t-shirt, tennis balls and 6 hours of coaching for £34.99)".
Rainford Tennis Club
New players are welcome at Rainford Tennis Club
Dave Hillier, of Rainford Tennis Club, said: "Rainford Tennis Club are delighted that Emma Radacanu has made history by winning the US Open and are so excited to see how this will inspire more girls to take up the sport. We already have lots of girls playing tennis in Rainford and are lucky to have one of the leading female coaches in the region, Sarah Hillier, as our head coach.
"New players are always welcome at Rainford Tennis Club and there are weekly sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for children of all ages. If you want to try tennis then we give every child their first tennis session for free.
"For information on dates and times, please visit our website at RainfordTennisClub.co.uk".
Ruskin Tennis Club
Mal Thomas, head coach at the Dentons Green-based club, said: "I have a group of 30 plus kids aged 5-12 yo and I’ve encouraged parents to follow Emma this week and let the kids stay up on Saturday night and watch the final.
"My phone was pinging away after that result. It means so much to the kids, the parents and I couldn’t help shedding a tear after her heroic performance. Never seen such an extraordinary achievement in sports let alone tennis.
"We are all so proud of Emma. And we are fans for life.
"Thanks for lifting a nation Emma RADUCANU 🎾😊"
Newton-le-Willows Tennis Club
Newton-le-Willows Tennis Club
Kieron Potter, secretary, at Newton le Willows Tennis Club, said: "From all our members we would like to congratulate Emma Raducanu on her magnificent achievement at the US Open.
"Anyone looking to follow in Emma’s footsteps please go to Newton-Le-Willows Tennis Club / Newton Tennis Club (lta.org.uk) to book a court at our fantastic new facility."
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