Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, ignited her 2025 Asian swing with a hard-fought triumph at the Korea Open, securing a crucial boost in the WTA rankings. The 22-year-old British No. 1 battled past American Peyton Stearns in a thrilling first-round match in Seoul, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in a marathon two hours and 43 minutes. This victory, marked by resilience and clutch play under steamy conditions, propelled Raducanu up one spot to No. 32 in the WTA Live Rankings, overtaking Wang Xinyu. As she navigates a pivotal phase of her career, this win signals her intent to climb back toward the elite and secure a seeded spot for the 2026 Australian Open.
The Korea Open, a WTA 500 event, proved a challenging start for Raducanu, who faced sweltering heat and a determined opponent ranked No. 48. Storming to a 4-1 lead in the first set, she showcased her aggressive baseline game, redirecting pace with her signature two-handed backhand. However, Stearns fought back, forcing a tiebreak that Raducanu clinched with composure. The second set was equally intense, with Raducanu unable to close out the match while serving at 5-3, only to rally in another tiebreak, riding a wave of late momentum. “I’m proud to have made it through to the next round,” Raducanu said, acknowledging the crowd’s support. “It was tough, it was very humid, the balls were bouncing around a lot.” Her ability to stay focused in grueling conditions highlighted her growing mental toughness.
This victory comes at a critical juncture for Raducanu, who has faced a rollercoaster since her fairy-tale US Open win. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, saw her ranking plummet to No. 83, but her 2025 season has been a story of resurgence. With a semi-final in Washington, a fourth-round run at Wimbledon, and competitive showings against top players like Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, she’s climbed to No. 33 before this latest win. The Korea Open offers a golden opportunity, as Raducanu has only 108 points to defend from her 2022 semi-final run, giving her a chance to amass significant points. “I haven’t played many matches in the last few months, and Peyton is a really good player in really good form, so I’m pretty pleased,” she added, reflecting on the win’s importance.
Raducanu’s decision to prioritize Seoul over the Billie Jean King Cup Finals drew scrutiny, but her focus on the WTA Tour reflects a strategic push to rebuild her ranking. Now coached by Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s long-time mentor, she’s honing her game to compete with the tour’s biggest hitters. Her next challenge is eighth seed Yue Yuan, ranked No. 40, who reached the Korea Open final last year. “It was a tough match to get through,” Raducanu noted, aware of the test ahead. A deep run in Seoul could push her closer to the top 30, a milestone that would bolster her chances of a seeded spot in Melbourne.
The Korea Open has been plagued by rain, delaying Raducanu’s original first-round match against Jaqueline Cristian, which was rescheduled and replaced by the Stearns matchup. Despite the disruptions, Raducanu’s performance radiated confidence, a stark contrast to her 2022 Seoul campaign, where she retired in the semi-finals due to injury. Her current form, backed by Roig’s technical guidance, suggests she’s ready to capitalize on this opportunity. Fans are buzzing with optimism, with one posting online, “Emma’s backhand is world-class again—she’s got the fire to go deep here.” With Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova also in the draw, the tournament promises high-stakes battles, but Raducanu’s focus remains clear: keep improving and climbing.
As she prepares to face Yuan, Raducanu’s journey captivates the tennis world. Her blend of resilience, talent, and newfound stability under Roig’s coaching makes her a player to watch. The Asian swing, with upcoming WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan, offers more chances to gain ground. For now, her gritty Seoul victory is a statement of intent—a step toward reclaiming her place among the WTA’s elite and silencing doubters who’ve questioned her since her US Open triumph.
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