As the 2025 US Open approaches, Emma Raducanu is brimming with optimism, declaring herself more confident than she’s been since her historic 2021 triumph at Flushing Meadows. The 22-year-old British star, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title four years ago, is riding a wave of momentum after a strong North American hard-court swing. Her recent performances, including a thrilling three-hour battle against world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open, have fueled her belief that she’s ready to compete with the best. “This is my first year on tour playing most of the calendar,” Raducanu said. “The players I’m playing and losing to, they’re all top players, so that gives me confidence.”
## A Resurgent Season
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a testament to her resilience. After a challenging 2024, marked by injuries and a first-round exit at the US Open to Sofia Kenin, the former world number 10 has rebuilt her game and her confidence. This year, she’s compiled a 21-11 record since March, reaching the semifinals in Washington, the third round in Montreal, and the third round in Cincinnati, where she pushed Sabalenka to the brink in a 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) defeat. “On the court, I take more confidence in the big moments,” she noted, reflecting on her ability to hold her own against elite competition. Her performances against top players like Sabalenka, Anna Kalinskaya, and Amanda Anisimova have silenced doubters and showcased her growing maturity.
The Briton’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. A back injury forced her to withdraw from the Auckland Open in January, and she’s faced tough draws, including a third-round loss to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open. Yet, Raducanu’s consistency—playing 18 tournaments this season compared to just 15 in 2024—has been a game-changer. “I had a tough start to the year and it was very difficult to change that,” she admitted. “But in the last few months I’ve been building, and the level has been increasing.” Her recent work with new coach Francis Roig, formerly Rafael Nadal’s mentor, has further sharpened her game, with a focus on improving shot quality to compete with the WTA’s elite.
## A New Mindset for New York
Raducanu’s return to Flushing Meadows carries emotional weight. Since her 2021 victory, where she won 10 matches without dropping a set, she’s struggled to replicate that success in New York, with first-round losses in 2022 and 2024. “I went home and came back, and it was a really difficult time in New York,” she recalled of last year’s defeat. “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 newfound composure, combined with her aggressive baseline style and world-class two-handed backhand, has her poised for a potential deep run.
Her preparation for the US Open, which begins August 24, 2025, includes a mixed doubles appearance alongside Carlos Alcaraz during qualifying week, adding an exciting dimension to her campaign. Raducanu’s collaboration with Roig, who was part of Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam triumphs, has been a boost. “He’s obviously got a bank of experience, and I’m very excited to continue working with him,” she said. Her training with fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, previously with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, has also enhanced her physical conditioning, allowing her to sustain a demanding schedule.
## Facing the Challenges Ahead
Raducanu’s path at the US Open won’t be easy. As an unseeded player, she could face top seeds like Sabalenka, Swiatek, or Coco Gauff early on. Yet, her recent performances suggest she’s ready to embrace the challenge. “I feel like I’m in a good place with how I’m approaching my tennis, how I’m feeling on the court,” she said, echoing the underdog mentality that propelled her to the 2021 title. Her ability to compete toe-to-toe with Sabalenka, losing by just three points in Cincinnati, and her victories over players like Marta Kostyuk and Maria Sakkari in Washington, highlight her potential to upset higher-ranked opponents.
Off the court, Raducanu has faced scrutiny over frequent coaching changes and off-court commitments, but she’s learned to prioritize her energy. “Initially, I felt guilty about saying no, but I’ve learned to prioritize my time better,” she said, reflecting on her growth. Her focus on tennis, supported by a trusted circle including Roig and childhood coach Nick Cavaday, has brought stability. Fans can watch her US Open journey live on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK, the Tennis Channel in the US, or Sony Sports Network in India, with streaming available on NOW and Tennis TV.
## A Bright Future
With the US Open looming, Raducanu’s confidence is infectious. “I back myself to the hills,” she declared, a bold statement that resonates with her fearless 2021 run. Whether she can reclaim her Flushing Meadows magic remains to be seen, but her recent form, mental clarity, and strategic coaching choices make her a dangerous contender. As she steps onto the New York courts, Raducanu is ready to rewrite her story and prove that her 2021 triumph was just the beginning.
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