Emma Raducanu stormed back into the spotlight at the 2025 US Open, delivering a commanding performance that marked her first victory at Flushing Meadows since her historic 2021 championship run. The British No. 1, now 22, dispatched Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in a swift 62 minutes, securing a 6-1, 6-2 win on the opening day of the tournament. This victory, the fastest of her Grand Slam career, was more than just a step forward in the tournament—it was a deeply personal milestone for a player who has faced immense challenges since her teenage triumph four years ago. Raducanu’s joy was palpable as she reflected on the significance of the moment, calling it “extra special” and a relief after years of setbacks at the very venue where she first captured the world’s attention.
The match, played on the vibrant Louis Armstrong Stadium, saw Raducanu in complete control from the outset. Facing Shibahara, ranked 130th in the world, she broke her opponent’s serve with ease, racing to a 6-1 first set after Shibahara managed just one game. The second set followed a similar script, with Raducanu surging to a 4-0 lead before sealing the match with a love game. Her aggressive return position and sharp serving drew praise from her new coach, Francisco Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal, who shouted encouragements like “Vamos!” from the sidelines. Despite the noisy atmosphere of the stadium, Raducanu admitted she barely heard Roig’s guidance, relying instead on her own composure. “I felt like I had most things under control on my side of the court,” she said, highlighting the confidence that carried her through the match.
This victory held profound significance for Raducanu, who had not won a match at the US Open since her fairy-tale run in 2021, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title at just 18. The years since have been turbulent, marked by first-round exits in 2022 to Alize Cornet and in 2024 to Sofia Kenin, as well as a 2023 absence due to surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. The weight of those disappointments lingered, and Raducanu confessed that the drought had been “on my mind.” “It’s been four years, and it’s a very special tournament for me,” she said. “I did feel different coming into it this year. I felt like I was doing the right things day to day, but still, it’s in the back of your head.” Breaking that barrier was a mental hurdle cleared, allowing her to approach the rest of the tournament with renewed freedom.
Raducanu’s resurgence comes amid a season of steady progress. Since March, she has posted consistent results, climbing to the cusp of the world’s top 30. Her recent performances, including pushing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a third-set tiebreak in Cincinnati, signal a return to form. Sabalenka herself noted Raducanu’s improvement, saying, “I’m really happy to see her healthy, mentally and physically. Every time she’s improving, and I can see that she’s getting back.” Off the court, Raducanu’s new team, including Roig and chiropractor Jerome Poupel, has brought fresh energy. Poupel, who likens Raducanu’s character to a horse and has worked with racehorses and Formula One drivers, has been a quirky but effective addition. “I don’t really know what he does with horses—I don’t ask questions!” Raducanu quipped, noting her Scorpio horoscope’s horse connection.
The scheduling of the US Open’s new Sunday start added pressure, with Raducanu admitting to nerves before the match. “I was nervous this morning after practice,” she said. “There’s not much time playing first on. You’re kind of rushing to do things.” Yet, once she donned her match kit, she found her focus, locking in for what she called a “clean performance.” Her next challenge is Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, who upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 thriller to earn her first Grand Slam main-draw win. This unexpected draw gives Raducanu a favorable opportunity to advance further, a prospect that excites her as she rediscovers the US Open as her “happy place.”
Beyond the court, Raducanu is embracing New York’s charm, planning visits to Central Park and the Frick Collection on her grandmother’s recommendation. “I’m very happy,” she said, crediting her team for making the daily grind enjoyable. “I see the progress I’m making on the practice court, and it might not come straight away, but I know over time I’m just racking up good days building, and I feel like it has to go somewhere.” With a two-day break before her second-round match, Raducanu is poised to carry her momentum forward, buoyed by a victory that has lifted a four-year burden and reignited her love for the game.
Leave a Reply