Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is not only making waves on the tennis courts of Flushing Meadows but also capturing hearts with her off-court charisma during the 2025 US Open. The 22-year-old British tennis sensation has been spotted engaging in a light-hearted game of football during her downtime, showcasing her playful side and earning praise from former British No. 1 Tim Henman. His enthusiastic commentary highlights Raducanu’s ability to balance intense competition with moments of joy, underscoring her growth as both an athlete and a personality in the sport.
Raducanu’s journey at this year’s US Open has been a testament to her resilience and evolving game. After a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over qualifier Janice Tjen in just an hour, she advanced to the third round, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina. Her performance was described as “absolutely top quality” by Henman, who noted her relentless pressure on opponents, suffocating them in rallies without conceding unforced errors. This win marked her 26th victory of 2025, her most successful single-season tally to date, a milestone she attributes to consistent practice routines honed since the Miami Open earlier this year.
Off the court, Raducanu’s decision to try her hand at football during the tournament has added a delightful dimension to her US Open narrative. Henman, providing courtside analysis, remarked, “She’s playing well and having fun away from the court, which is good to see.” This moment of levity came after Raducanu revealed plans to play golf following her swift victory, prompting a bemused Henman to question if it was “a joke or serious,” especially given her history of back stiffness. Her willingness to embrace new activities reflects a newfound confidence and ease, a stark contrast to the injury-plagued seasons that followed her historic 2021 triumph.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam without dropping a set, remains a defining moment in her career. However, the years since have been marked by challenges, including surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2023, which saw her ranking plummet to 283. Now ranked No. 45, she has shown remarkable progress, with three top-10 wins in the last 13 months and a courageous performance against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon earlier this year. Henman, a vocal supporter, believes she is “a much better player now” than in 2021, citing her experience and growing physical resilience.
Despite her on-court success, Raducanu’s preparation for the US Open sparked debate. Critics questioned her choice to skip qualifying rounds in Toronto and Cincinnati, opting instead for a training block in London. Henman defended her approach, arguing that her top-50 ranking in the WTA Race and her selective schedule demonstrate a strategic focus on long-term growth. “She’s continuing to build and get fitter, stronger, and faster,” he said, dismissing the “borderline obsession” with her every move. Raducanu herself acknowledged a slight misstep in her preparation, admitting she would have preferred more matches before the tournament, but her dominant early-round performances suggest she remains a formidable contender.
As Raducanu prepares to face Rybakina, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. Her ability to combine fierce competitiveness with off-court enjoyment, like her impromptu football game, paints a picture of an athlete rediscovering her love for the sport. Fans have taken to social media to celebrate her form, with one declaring, “This is totally and utterly world class from her today.” With Henman’s encouragement to “keep building” and a supportive team around her, Raducanu’s 2025 US Open campaign is not just about chasing titles but also about embracing the journey—on and off the court.
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