Raducanu hot favourite to be named Sports Personality of the Year after making six-person shortlist

Emma Raducanu looks set to cap a memorable 2021 by winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on December 19.

The world No. 19 is the big favourite to claim the award after her remarkable US Open triumph in New York in September.

Raducanu's breakthrough year saw her reach the fourth round of Wimbledon before a stunning run from the qualifiers to victory at Flushing Meadows.

Alongside Raducanu, Olympic duo Tom Daley and Adam Peaty have made the shortlist following their gold medal successes at Tokyo, while Sarah Storey is also in the running after claiming a record 15th gold medal in the Paralympics this year.

Manchester City and England winger Raheem Sterling is also included after his superb showing at Euro 2020, and boxer Tyson Fury rounds off the shortlist after claiming a second victory over Deontay Wilder in October.

At 1/25, Raducanu is an overwhelming favourite to win the award. It would make her the first female tennis player to have done so since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Wade won Wimbledon that year, earning her the chance to become just the second tennis star to win the award after Ann Jones claimed the crown in 1969 - again after victory in Wimbledon.

Andy Murray is the only other tennis player to have won the award. The Scotsman was third in 2012 but went on to win the award in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Raducanu's closest competitor appears to be Tom Daley, who is currently valued at 12/1.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu not interested in 'anyone's opinions' as she reflects on incredible year