US Open: How Tracy Austin became the youngest ever champion in New York

Since its maiden tournament in 1881, the US Open has not been short of its iconic moments.

Titles have changed hands and records have been broken, but one landmark that was set more than 40 years ago still remains.

In 1979, the USA’s Tracy Austin made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the US Open.

The young trailblazer was just 16 years of age when she beat the legendary Chris Evert in a straight sets victory.

Since Austin’s historic triumph, other young stars have won the title at Flushing Meadows, including Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu. However, the US star remains the youngest title-holder at the tournament on record.

Austin was 14 years old when she won her first professional singles title but at the time, she was still competing as an amateur and therefore could not accept any prize money for her achievement.

In 1978, the rising teen star turned pro and described the decision as one that would not necessarily change her life, but instead of roses, she would be receiving money for winning.

Just after her 16th birthday in 1979, Austin beat Martina Navratilova in two tournament finals to add to her rapidly growing honours list.

Later that year, she beat Billie Jean King in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, but was victim of Navratilova extracting revenge in the semis.

With wins over some of tennis’ most iconic players already under her belt at just 16 years of age, the world had its eyes glued to Austin’s potential on the court.

Sure enough, it was just months before the teenage sensation really showcased her potential.

During the 1979 US Open, Austin lost just one set on her route to glory on home soil.

She made easy work of beating Ivanna Madruga, Andrea Jaeger, and Kate Latham in straight sets