As the tennis world turns its gaze to Flushing Meadows for the 2025 US Open, Emma Raducanu is stepping into the spotlight with a renewed sense of purpose. The 22-year-old British sensation, who captivated the globe with her fairy-tale 2021 US Open victory as an 18-year-old qualifier, is approaching this year’s tournament with a calm assurance that marks a stark contrast to her challenging experiences in New York since her historic triumph. Fresh off a spirited performance at the Cincinnati Open, where she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the brink in a thrilling three-hour battle, Raducanu is embracing a newfound confidence that could signal her resurgence on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
Raducanu’s recent clash with Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was a testament to her growing prowess. The third-round match at the Cincinnati Open ended in a heart-wrenching 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) defeat, with Raducanu coming within three points of victory in the deciding set’s tiebreak. The encounter, which echoed her competitive 6-7(6), 4-6 loss to Sabalenka at Wimbledon earlier this summer, showcased her ability to hold her own against the sport’s elite. “This is my first year on tour playing most of the calendar,” Raducanu reflected, her voice carrying a blend of pride and determination. “The players I’m playing and losing to, they’re all top players, so that gives me confidence.” Her 21-11 record since the Miami Open in March, coupled with a climb to No. 34 in the Live WTA Rankings, underscores the progress she’s made in a season marked by consistency and growth.
The journey to this point has been far from smooth. Since her 2021 US Open win, where she became the first qualifier to claim a Grand Slam title without dropping a set, Raducanu has faced relentless scrutiny and physical setbacks. Injuries, including wrist and foot issues, sidelined her for significant portions of 2023 and 2024, and her 2024 US Open campaign ended in a first-round loss to Sofia Kenin. “I went home and came back and it was a really difficult time in New York,” she admitted, recalling the emotional toll of returning to the site of her greatest achievement. “Since I won the tournament, it’s not been easy for me there. But this year I feel different, I’m a lot calmer behind the court.” This shift in mindset, paired with her on-court tenacity, has reignited optimism among fans and analysts alike.
A key factor in Raducanu’s resurgence is her collaboration with new coach Francisco Roig, formerly a mentor to Rafael Nadal. Hired just before the Cincinnati Open, Roig has already made an impact. “The first week went well. I think we practised well and I made some improvements,” Raducanu said, noting that their work focused on maintaining smoothness in her game and avoiding retreat under pressure. “For certain moments, you could see the stuff we practiced, but I just haven’t done it for long enough that I can’t do it for so long yet. But given it’s only been a week, I think there’s been improvements.” Roig’s guidance has helped her adopt a less technical approach during matches, a departure from her past tendencies to overthink. “I’m not too technical. Maybe in the past, I was, but less so now,” she added, signaling a maturation in her game that prioritizes fluidity and instinct.
Raducanu’s confidence is further bolstered by her performances against top-tier opponents. Her Cincinnati run included a marathon eighth game in the third set against Sabalenka, where she saved four break points in a 13-deuce, 20-minute epic. Aryna Sabalenka herself acknowledged Raducanu’s potential, predicting a return to the top 10. “She’s moving well, she’s a smart player,” Sabalenka said. “She’s serving well, even though sometimes you can see where she’s going. But the speed, the spin is very difficult to adjust to. She’s basically doing everything [well].” Such praise from a formidable rival underscores Raducanu’s growing reputation as a player opponents dread facing. “I know I’m a dangerous player,” Raducanu asserted. “No one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that.”
Her preparation for the US Open, which begins on August 25, 2025, includes a unique opportunity: competing in mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz during qualifying week. This high-profile partnership adds an element of excitement to her campaign, offering a chance to hone her skills in a less pressurized setting. Off the court, Raducanu is also working with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura to enhance her athleticism. “I think he is going to help me just really explore how far I can go athletically,” she said, emphasizing her belief that her physical potential remains untapped. “It’s a big strength of mine that I have nowhere near fulfilled. I think I can become one of the best athletes out there in tennis.”
As Raducanu prepares to return to Flushing Meadows, her mindset reflects a player who has weathered storms and emerged stronger. “On the court, I take more confidence in the big moments,” she said, a statement backed by her recent performances, including a run to the Washington Open semifinals and a third-round appearance in Montreal. Her ability to string together wins—defeating players like Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari—has silenced critics who once questioned her post-US Open trajectory. With a full season of experience under her belt and a team tailored to her needs, Raducanu is poised to make waves. “I’m looking forward to having some time to practise, improve and then get ready to play there,” she said, her eyes set on reclaiming her place among tennis’s elite.
Leave a Reply