Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, set Flushing Meadows alight in 2025 with a breathtaking performance that marked her first victory at the tournament since her historic title as a teenage qualifier four years ago. The 22-year-old British star delivered a clinical 6-1, 6-2 rout of Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes during the first round of the 2025 US Open, her fastest-ever Grand Slam win. This triumph was far more than a step forward in the draw—it was a profoundly personal milestone that dispelled the shadows of past struggles. Raducanu’s candid post-match reflections revealed the emotional weight of this moment, captivating fans and reigniting global excitement about her remarkable comeback.
The path to this victory was fraught with challenges. Raducanu’s fairy-tale 2021 US Open win, where she became the first qualifier in the Open era to claim a major, propelled her to stardom at 18. But the years that followed tested her resolve. First-round exits in 2022 against Alize Cornet and in 2024 against Sofia Kenin, combined with a 2023 withdrawal due to surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle, left her without a win at Flushing Meadows for four years. The burden of those setbacks lingered. “It has been on my mind,” Raducanu admitted, her voice carrying a mix of relief and resolve. “It’s been four years, and it’s a very special tournament for me. I did feel different coming into it this year. I felt like I was doing the right things day to day, but still, it’s in the back of your head.” Her commanding performance against Shibahara, a former top-four doubles player, was a defining moment, showcasing a newfound confidence and maturity.
Raducanu’s display was a showcase of precision and aggression. She seized control from the outset with a composed hold to love, her powerful groundstrokes and sharp movement overwhelming Shibahara, who faltered with 36 unforced errors. Guided by her new coach, Francisco Roig—previously a key figure in Rafael Nadal’s success—Raducanu’s aggressive returns and pinpoint serving left her opponent scrambling. “Of course I’m very, very pleased to have won that match,” she told the vibrant Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd. “It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special. First rounds are always difficult, especially at a slam. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.” Her shift toward trusting her instincts over extensive preparation marked a significant evolution. “I’m trusting myself, trusting my own abilities a lot more,” she said, reflecting a mindset that has fortified her game.
This win was about more than defeating Shibahara—it was about overcoming the doubts that had plagued Raducanu since her meteoric rise. The 2021 US Open launched her into the global spotlight, but the subsequent years brought intense scrutiny, injuries, and criticism. Her 2023 injury layoff, requiring surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle, pushed her resilience to the limit. Yet, 2025 has been a year of renewal, with Raducanu amassing 26 wins—her most successful season yet. Her pre-US Open form, including a gritty third-set tiebreak against world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, hinted at her potential. “I’m very happy. I’ve got amazing people in my corner over there, so I want to thank them, and it makes every day the work feel a lot more enjoyable,” she said, praising Roig and her team for fostering a positive environment.
The 2025 US Open draw promised sterner tests ahead. Raducanu moved on to face Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, ranked world number 147, in the second round, a player who had just secured her first Grand Slam main-draw win. A potential third-round showdown with ninth seed Elena Rybakina awaited, and ultimately, Rybakina ended Raducanu’s campaign. Yet, her first-round victory stood as a powerful symbol of hope, a moment she described as “extra special” for its emotional depth. Raducanu’s focus on steady progress—“I see the progress that I’m making on the practice court, and it might not come straight away, but I know over time I’m just racking up good days building”—points to a player with a bright future. This rapid win was more than a scoreline; it was a resounding declaration of her enduring talent and unyielding spirit, reaffirming her status as a champion.
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