Four years after her stunning triumph at the 2021 US Open, Emma Raducanu returns to Flushing Meadows with renewed confidence, a new coach, and a burning desire to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite. The British No. 1, now ranked world No. 35, faces Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in the opening round of the 2025 US Open on Sunday, August 24, at 11 AM local time (4 PM BST) on Louis Armstrong Stadium. For Raducanu, this match marks a critical opportunity to secure her first victory in New York since her historic title run, a feat that saw her become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam without dropping a set since Serena Williams in 2014.
## A Fairytale Past, A Challenging Journey
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was a seismic moment in tennis, propelling the then-18-year-old into global stardom. “I didn’t know about this world of potential negativity and bringing players down,” she reflected, acknowledging the intense scrutiny that followed her meteoric rise. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries, disrupted her momentum, and coaching changes added to the turbulence. Since her 2021 triumph, she has yet to win another match at Flushing Meadows, with emotional first-round exits in 2022 and 2024, the latter leaving her in tears after a loss to Sofia Kenin. “I really struggled when I came back in 2022,” she admitted. “I didn’t enjoy coming back here.”
Yet, 2025 has been a year of resurgence. Raducanu’s consistent performances, including third-round showings at Wimbledon and Cincinnati against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, signal a return to form. “I definitely got closer the last time we played in Cincinnati,” she said, noting how those matches have bolstered her belief. Now, with a new perspective, she sees Flushing Meadows as a “happy place” again. “This is the first time I feel like I can come back to the US Open and really enjoy the memories,” she shared, her beaming smile a stark contrast to last year’s somber departure.
## The Matchup: Raducanu vs. Shibahara
Raducanu’s first-round opponent, Ena Shibahara, ranked No. 130, is a doubles specialist who reached the second round of the US Open singles in 2024 but has never defeated a top-50 player. The two met once before, in Nottingham on grass in 2024, where Raducanu dominated in straight sets, dropping just five games. Analysts favor Raducanu to win comfortably, predicting a straight-sets victory. “Raducanu has been very consistent during her latest North American swing,” one expert noted, highlighting her edge in aggressive baseline play and powerful two-handed backhand.
Statistically, Raducanu holds advantages in key areas. On hard courts in 2025, she boasts a 52.3% break point conversion rate and 57.6% break points saved, compared to Shibahara’s 46.9% and 51.0%, respectively. While their return stats are close, Raducanu’s flat groundstrokes and improved physicality give her the upper hand. “She should be able to match Shibahara’s placement and reflexes,” a pundit observed, emphasizing Raducanu’s enhanced movement and variety.
## A New Chapter with Francisco Roig
A pivotal factor in Raducanu’s resurgence is her new coach, Francisco Roig, a veteran who spent nearly two decades with Rafael Nadal. Their partnership, which began after a “black ops” trial post-Wimbledon, has brought stability and calm. “There is no stress or panic, which definitely rubs off on me,” Raducanu said of Roig’s influence. “We’re working a lot on the court, putting a lot of hours in. But we find a good balance. It’s not all just serious.” Roig’s experience at major tournaments instills a “calm assurance” that has helped Raducanu trust her game, even when shots falter. “I can just trust in my game more,” she added, a testament to the confidence Roig has fostered.
## The Road Ahead
Should Raducanu advance past Shibahara, tougher challenges loom. A potential second-round clash with No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova awaits, followed by a possible third-round matchup against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Further down the draw, top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, or Iga Swiatek could test her mettle. Despite missing a seed by just one ranking spot, Raducanu remains unfazed. “I was one spot out, maybe the highest-ranked unseeded player,” she said. “It’s complete luck of the draw. I just need to focus on my own game.”
## A Fresh Start
At 22, Raducanu is no longer the carefree teenager of 2021, but she’s embracing a lighter, more grounded mindset. “I feel in a way the same off court in terms of just enjoying my tennis, enjoying practicing, enjoying competing,” she said. The weight of expectations, injuries, and negativity has shaped her, but she’s found joy in the process again. “I’m just happy that I’m in this place with my tennis,” she declared, radiating optimism.
As Raducanu steps onto Louis Armstrong Stadium, the tennis world watches with anticipation. Can she rediscover the magic of 2021? A victory over Shibahara would be a significant step, not just toward a deep tournament run but in cementing her transformation into a resilient, consistent force. With her game sharpening and her spirit renewed, Flushing Meadows could once again become the stage for Raducanu’s brilliance.
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