As the 2025 US Open kicks off at Flushing Meadows, New York, Emma Raducanu steps back onto the iconic courts with a renewed sense of purpose and a smile that signals her transformation. The 22-year-old Briton, who captivated the world four years ago by clinching the 2021 title as a teenage qualifier, is ready to rewrite her New York story. “I really struggled when I came back in 2022. I didn’t enjoy coming back here,” she admitted, reflecting on the weight of expectations and injuries that clouded her return visits. Now, ranked world No. 35, Raducanu faces Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in her opening match on Sunday, August 24, at 4 PM BST, aiming for her first Flushing Meadows win since that fairy-tale triumph.
## A Journey Through Adversity
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was a seismic moment in tennis history, marking her as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam without dropping a set since Serena Williams in 2014. At just 18, she rocketed to fame, but the aftermath brought challenges she hadn’t anticipated. “I can be proud of that and see it as a happy place,” she said, describing her newfound perspective on those magical memories. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, sidelined her for an entire season, while first-round exits in 2022 and 2024—most notably a tearful loss to Sofia Kenin last year—left her grappling with self-doubt. “I felt sad and down,” she recalled after last year’s defeat, a stark contrast to the joy she now exudes.
This year, Raducanu has rediscovered her spark. Her 2025 season has been a tale of resurgence, with standout performances like a third-round showing against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati and a climb back toward the world’s top 30. “I feel relaxed, I feel happy,” she shared, her words carrying a lightness absent in recent years. Off the court, she’s embracing the process, from grueling practice sessions to the thrill of competition. “I feel in a way like the same off court in terms of just enjoying my tennis, enjoying practicing, enjoying competing, and the process of getting better,” she added, signaling a return to the carefree spirit that defined her 2021 run.
## A New Chapter with Francisco Roig
A key architect of Raducanu’s revival is her new coach, Francisco Roig, whose 18-year tenure with Rafael Nadal brings a wealth of Grand Slam expertise. Their partnership, forged after a discreet trial period post-Wimbledon, has instilled a sense of calm and structure. “He fixes what needs fixing,” Raducanu said of Roig, praising his ability to balance intense training with a relaxed approach. “There is no stress or panic, which definitely rubs off on me,” she noted, crediting Roig’s steady presence for her growing confidence. His experience navigating high-pressure tournaments has helped her trust her game, even under scrutiny. “I can just trust in my game more,” she affirmed, ready to tackle the challenges of Flushing Meadows.
## The Road Ahead
Raducanu’s first-round opponent, Ena Shibahara, ranked No. 130, is a doubles specialist with limited singles success against top players. Their previous encounter in Nottingham 2024 saw Raducanu dominate in straight sets, and analysts predict a similar outcome. “She should be able to match Shibahara’s placement and reflexes,” one expert noted, citing Raducanu’s superior break point conversion (52.3%) and defensive stats (57.6% break points saved) on hard courts. A win could set up a second-round clash with No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova, with tougher tests like Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka looming deeper in the draw. Despite missing a seed by one ranking spot, Raducanu remains unfazed. “I was one spot out, maybe the highest-ranked unseeded player,” she said with a shrug. “It’s complete luck of the draw.”
## Britain’s Broader Challenge
Raducanu leads a contingent of eight British players in the singles draws, with Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie also in action on Monday. Draper, the men’s No. 1 and fifth seed, faces Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez, confident his recent arm injury won’t hinder him. “It’s not something which I’m going to go out on Monday and feel like it’s holding me back at all,” the 23-year-old declared, eyeing a repeat of his 2024 semi-final run. Norrie, back in the top 40 after strong French Open and Wimbledon showings, takes on American Sebastian Korda. “It’s good to clear your mind and be away from the tour,” Norrie said of his pre-tournament recharge at Texas Christian University. Other Brits, including Katie Boulter and Jacob Fearnley, begin their campaigns on Tuesday, adding to the nation’s hopes.
## A Stage for Redemption
As Raducanu steps onto Louis Armstrong Stadium, the 2025 US Open offers a chance to reclaim her narrative. The tournament, running from August 24 to September 7, will unfold with live radio coverage on BBC Sounds and text updates on the BBC Sport website, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment. For Raducanu, it’s about more than a single match—it’s about proving her resilience. “I’m just happy that I’m in this place with my tennis,” she beamed, her optimism infectious. With a sharper game, a seasoned coach, and a rediscovered love for the sport, Raducanu is poised to make Flushing Meadows her “happy place” once more, one darting forehand at a time.
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