Both players have had impressive U.S. Open races that have already made history.
Raducanu, ranked number 150 in the world, had to pass the rankings to enter the main draw of the US Open. It was the first round to reach the semifinals of the U.S. Open in the open era and is only its second appearance in a major one. He still has to drop a set in the tournament, including all three qualifying rounds.
On Saturday he will play not only for his first major title, but for his first title of any kind on the WTA Tour.
After his match against Sakkari, Raducanu said he knew he would have to play some of his best tennis “if he wanted a chance.”
“I think today would always be a very difficult match to play against Maria Sakkari. She is an amazing player, probably one of the best athletes on the tour,” Raducanu said at his post-match press conference. “Honestly, I think I played my best tennis today.”
Raducanu is also the biggest grand slam finalist since Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004. She aims to become the first British woman to win a major since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977.
In his career at the U.S. Open, Raducanu has beaten two players ranked in the top 20: Sakkari, ranked 18th, and No. 12, Belinda Bencic.
In his dazzling performance so far, Raducanu said it was “A surprise. Honestly, I can’t believe it. A shock. Crazy. All of the above.”
“It means a lot to be here in this situation. I obviously wanted to play in the Grand Slams, but I didn’t know how soon it would be. To be in a Grand Slam final at this stage of my career, I have no words,” he said. she.
Meanwhile, Fernandez has been a giant killer, beating two former U.S. Open champions at world No. 3 Naomi Osaka and No. 17 Angelique Kerber, as well as beating No. 5 Elina Svitolina.
To reach the final, Fernandez defeated Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, world number 2, 7-7 (3), 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After his victory in the semifinals, Fernandez described his experience at the US Open as “magical.”
“I think a word that has really stayed‘ magical ’for me because not only is my career very good, but also the way I play at the moment,” he said at the post-match press conference.
“I’m having fun, I try to produce something for people to enjoy. I’m glad that everything I’m doing on the track, the fans love it and I love it too. We’ll say it’s magical.”
In 73rd place at the US Open, Fernandez is expected to be in the top 40 on Monday.
The excitement for the final is already brewing and many people are commenting on social media about how the match is a victory for immigrant families.
Raducanu was born to a Romanian father and a Chinese mother and Fernández is the daughter of a Filipino Canadian mother and an Ecuadorian father.
When she was told after her semifinal match that the people of the Philippines now have an interest in tennis because of her, Fernandez said “wow.”
“I am very happy to know that everyone in the Philippines encourages and supports me. So thank you,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to eating Filipino cuisine from “lolo” (grandfather).
“When I was younger, I would be inspired by Li Na, even now, as she was such a fierce competitor,” Raducanu said of the grand slam two-time champion.
CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this story.