NICOLA Sturgeon was among the countless figures across the UK to congratulate Emma Raducanu on her sensational US Open win on Saturday night.

The 18-year-old won the tennis Grand Slam without dropping a set.

Raducanu's 6-4 6-3 victory over fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the US Open final made her the first British woman since Virginia Wade, who was watching from the stands, 44 years ago to win a slam singles title, and the first in New York since Wade in 1968.

Sturgeon, the Queen and Prime Minister led the tributes to the “extraordinarily fabulous” teenage tennis champion.

The teenage champion was praised for her “poise and guts” during the historic match, which came just three months after she took her A-levels.

READ MORE: Concentrating on ‘grown-up’ issues is failing for Scottish Labour and Tories

It led to praise from royalty, other sports stars and celebrities who were gripped by her remarkable and unprecedented success.

After sending Raducanu the "best of luck" before the match, the First Minister later sent her congratulations. She wrote: "Just incredible! @EmmaRaducanu is a star, a role model and a champion. Congratulations!

"I suspect tonight is one of these sporting occasions that will be talked about for decades to come. Two great players who will no doubt dominate women’s tennis for years to come.

"But what a winner in @EmmaRaducanu"

She added afterwards: "Postscript to that final: after the sheer emotion involved in supporting @andy_murray over the years, I can’t be the only one who didn’t expect to feel quite so invested in tennis ever again - @EmmaRaducanu has changed that."

Following her win, the Queen congratulated the teenager, saying: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.”

She added: “I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”

Boris Johnson wrote: “What a sensational match! Huge congratulations to @EmmaRaducanu.

“You showed extraordinary skill, poise and guts and we are all hugely proud of you.”

The National:

Emma Raducanu holds the trophy as she celebrates winning the women's singles final alongside runner up Canada's Leylah Fernandez

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “What a winner. A true British hero. Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on an inspirational win. From qualifier to champion without dropping a set. A phenomenal achievement.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: “What an absolutely amazing match – and what an amazing British athlete we have in Emma Raducanu.”

Celebrity fans also added their voices to the long list of congratulations and praised both teenagers for their performances.

Pop group The Spice Girls, who first went on hiatus two years before Raducanu was born, tweeted “Wow! Amazing tennis from @leylahfernandez and @EmmaRaducanu that’s Girl Power right there!!

“Congratulations Emma.”

TV presenter Gary Lineker said: “First time in my life I’ve ever tweeted whilst on air but my goodness what a performance, what a triumph, what an amazing young woman,” he said.

“Congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on a truly staggering achievement. US Open winner at 18 without losing a set.

“Extraordinarily fabulous.”

The National:

Comedian Dara O Briain said: “Well that is both brilliant and ludicrously unbelievable. Well done Emma Raducanu.”

8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr described the teenager as a “legend” and admitted he had become emotional through the match.

“Emma Raducanu – 20 straight sets. What a performance? What a legend? The game I love played beautifully,” he tweeted.

“I think it’s ok I shed a tear. Congratulations Emma & also well done on those A Levels.”

Fellow Cats panellist Jon Richardson added: “What a treat and a privilege that was to watch.

“Thank goodness for sport in a messed up world and thank goodness for Emma Raducanu. Absolutely superb.”

Former Countdown host Carol Vorderman said: “Amazing…..huge congratulations to our new Queen of Tennis…. ”

But people also praised the standard of play on both sides of the net.

TV presenter Nick Knowles tweeted: “The quality of the us open tennis women’s final is epic!”