Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is set to ignite the Flushing Meadows courts once again as she kicks off her 2025 campaign with a highly anticipated first-round match against Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara. Scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST (4:00 PM BST), the match will take place on the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium, a venue that holds cherished memories for the British star. With her renewed confidence and a refined game, Raducanu is poised to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite, and fans are eager to see if she can recapture the magic of her fairy-tale triumph four years ago.
Raducanu’s return to New York is steeped in emotion. Her 2021 victory, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title at just 18, remains one of the most remarkable stories in tennis history. She stormed through the tournament without dropping a set, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final to claim the title and etch her name in British sporting lore. However, the years since have been challenging, with early exits in 2022 and 2024, and a complete absence in 2023 due to injuries. Now, at 22, Raducanu feels revitalized, stating, “I feel relaxed, I feel happy. I feel in a way the same as four years ago in terms of just enjoying my tennis, enjoying practicing, enjoying competing, and the process of getting better.” Her words reflect a newfound balance, bolstered by her recent performances and a stable coaching setup under Francis Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal.
Her opponent, Ena Shibahara, ranked No. 130, is a 27-year-old doubles specialist making only her second appearance in a Grand Slam singles main draw. Known for her prowess in doubles, Shibahara earned her spot through the qualifying rounds, showcasing resilience but facing a steep challenge against Raducanu’s aggressive baseline game. “I know I’m still relatively young and new in terms of doing the right things over and over, so I want to give myself a lot more time to achieve what I want,” Raducanu said, emphasizing her focus on long-term growth. This match offers her a chance to build early momentum, with a potential third-round showdown against No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova looming if she advances.
Raducanu’s preparation for the US Open has been promising. She reached the semifinals in Washington, D.C., defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari, and pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a grueling three-hour match in Cincinnati. “Pushing Aryna to the top is a great motivation, a great inspiration for me to keep doing it,” she said, highlighting how these battles have sharpened her game. Now ranked No. 35 and the British No. 1, Raducanu is embracing her attacking style, honed under Roig’s guidance. “I can put a lot of trust in Francis leading me through the right steps, the right practices,” she noted, crediting her coach for her relaxed mindset.
Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK, with streaming available via the Sky Go app for subscribers. In the US, ESPN will broadcast the match, ensuring global audiences can witness Raducanu’s return to the court that launched her into stardom. The match’s 11:00 AM EST start time on Louis Armstrong Stadium places Raducanu in a prime slot, reflecting her status as a fan favorite and a player with unfinished business in New York.
Beyond the court, Raducanu’s journey is a testament to resilience. After navigating wrist and ankle surgeries and intense public scrutiny, she has emerged stronger, with a net worth of £13.5 million from endorsements with brands like Nike and Dior. Her multicultural background—born in Toronto to Romanian and Chinese parents and raised in Bromley, England—adds depth to her global appeal. As she steps onto Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu carries not just the weight of expectation but also the freedom of a player rediscovering her love for the game. “I do feel very different,” she said, reflecting on her growth. “Now is the first time I feel like I can come back and really enjoy the memories I made here.” Whether this match marks the start of another deep run or a stepping stone in her comeback, Raducanu’s clash with Shibahara promises to be a captivating chapter in her evolving story.
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