Emma Raducanu electrified the Flushing Meadows crowd at the 2025 US Open, delivering a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes, marking her fastest-ever Grand Slam win. The 22-year-old British star, who captivated the tennis world with her improbable 2021 US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier, added a quirky footnote to her performance: she became the first player in the tournament to win a match without facing a single break point, a testament to her serving prowess and relentless aggression. “I didn’t know that!” Raducanu laughed when informed of her unique stat in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, her infectious smile reflecting the joy of her triumphant return to New York.
The match on Louis Armstrong Stadium was a masterclass in precision and poise. Raducanu, ranked No. 36 and sporting a vibrant red Nike kit, stormed to a 5-0 lead in the first set in just 26 minutes, her powerful groundstrokes overwhelming Shibahara, ranked No. 128. The Japanese qualifier managed to hold serve once to avoid a bagel, but Raducanu’s focus never wavered, closing out the set with ease. The second set saw her maintain the pressure, breaking Shibahara twice while conceding only six unforced errors against her opponent’s 36. Her serve, a weapon honed under new coach Francisco Roig—formerly a mentor to Rafael Nadal—was untouchable, with Shibahara unable to generate a single break point opportunity. “I’m very, very pleased to have won that match. It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” Raducanu told the crowd, her voice tinged with relief and pride. “First rounds are always difficult, especially at a Slam. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.”
Raducanu’s journey since her 2021 triumph has been anything but smooth. After becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, she faced setbacks, including first-round exits at the US Open in 2022 and 2024, and a 2023 season derailed by wrist and ankle surgeries. Yet, her 2025 campaign has shown signs of a resurgence. A WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami and strong performances against top players like Aryna Sabalenka underscored her progress. Working with Roig has brought renewed energy, with the coach’s enthusiastic cries of “Vamos! You’re doing very good!” ringing out during the match. Raducanu credited her team for keeping her grounded, saying, “I’ve got amazing people in my corner, so I want to thank them, and it makes every day the work feel a lot more enjoyable.”
The unusual stat of facing zero break points highlighted Raducanu’s serving dominance, a rarity in women’s tennis where break point battles are common. Tennis icon Martina Navratilova praised her performance, noting, “She played like the defending champion… very solid performance. She was playing with joy.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman called it “absolutely ideal” for a Grand Slam opener, emphasizing how Raducanu “stamped her authority” early. Her efficiency—winning 85% of first-serve points and converting three of five break points—set a high bar for her next challenge.
Raducanu now faces Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, another qualifier ranked No. 149, who upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. Tjen’s aggressive style will test Raducanu, but the Brit’s newfound confidence and mental clarity suggest she’s ready. “I see the progress that I’m making on the practice court,” she said, “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.”
This victory was more than a win; it was a statement. Raducanu’s blend of power, precision, and an unbreakable serve not only secured her place in the second round but also etched an unusual stat into US Open history. As she continues her quest for a second title in New York, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how far this revitalized star can go.
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