Emma Raducanu has reignited her ascent in the tennis world with a commanding performance at the 2025 US Open, where she secured her first match win at Flushing Meadows since her historic 2021 championship triumph. The British No. 1, now 22, delivered a masterclass against Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara, winning 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour to become the first player to complete a match at this year’s tournament. This victory, marked by precision and poise, has positioned Raducanu on the cusp of a significant rankings breakthrough, with a potential return to the WTA’s top 30 within reach. Her journey back to the elite levels of the sport, after years of injury setbacks and early exits, is a testament to her resilience and renewed confidence, making this moment a pivotal chapter in her evolving career.
Raducanu’s performance against Shibahara was a display of the form that captivated the world four years ago. She broke her opponent’s serve early and maintained relentless pressure, racing to a 4-0 lead in the second set before sealing the match with a love game. Her aggressive play and improved physicality, honed under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, formerly Rafael Nadal’s mentor, were evident throughout. “I felt like I had most things under control on my side of the court,” Raducanu said post-match, reflecting on her ability to dictate play. This win, her 25th of the 2025 season, marks a significant milestone, as it ends a four-year drought at the US Open, where she had suffered first-round losses in 2022 and 2024 and missed 2023 due to surgeries on her wrists and ankle.
The victory carries substantial rankings implications. Raducanu, currently ranked No. 33 in the live WTA rankings, is defending just 10 points from last year’s first-round exit, meaning every win in New York boosts her position significantly. A second-round victory against Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, who upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova, would propel Raducanu back into the top 30—a milestone she last achieved in 2022 before injuries derailed her progress. “I see the progress I’m making on the practice court,” Raducanu noted, emphasizing her belief in her long-term trajectory. “It might not come straight away, but I know over time I’m just racking up good days building.” A deep run at the US Open could even see her approach the top 20, a ranking that seemed distant during her injury-plagued seasons.
Raducanu’s resurgence is underpinned by a newfound stability in her team and mindset. After parting ways with multiple coaches since her 2021 US Open win, she has found a rhythm with Roig, whose energetic support was evident during the match. She also credits chiropractor Jerome Poupel, whose unconventional methods have helped her stay injury-free. “I don’t really know what he does with horses—I don’t ask questions!” she quipped, referencing Poupel’s work with racehorses. Her recent performances, including a competitive third-set tiebreak against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, have bolstered her confidence. Sabalenka herself acknowledged Raducanu’s growth, saying, “I’m really happy to see her healthy, mentally and physically. Every time she’s improving.”
The emotional weight of returning to Flushing Meadows, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, made this victory particularly meaningful. “It’s been four years, and it’s a very special tournament for me,” Raducanu said, admitting that her previous struggles at the US Open had lingered in her mind. The new Sunday start to the tournament added pressure, with Raducanu confessing to pre-match nerves: “I was nervous this morning after practice. There’s not much time playing first on.” Yet, she channeled that energy into a “clean performance,” rediscovering the joy of competing in New York, which she calls her “happy place.” Off the court, she plans to explore Central Park and the Frick Collection, embracing the city’s energy to fuel her campaign.
As Raducanu prepares to face Tjen, the draw offers a favorable path to the third round, where a deeper run could secure her a seeded spot at the 2026 Australian Open. Her 2025 season, marked by quarter-final appearances at the Miami Open and Queen’s Club, and a fourth-round showing at Wimbledon, reflects steady progress. With limited points to defend in the coming months, Raducanu is well-positioned to climb higher, potentially overtaking compatriot Katie Boulter to reclaim the British No. 1 ranking. Her journey, once defined by a meteoric rise and subsequent struggles, now feels like a story of rediscovery, with each victory building toward a brighter future.
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