The 2025 US Open is in full swing, with its record-breaking $90 million prize purse and the electric atmosphere of Flushing Meadows drawing fans into the heart of tennis mania. Amid the blistering serves and nail-biting rallies, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion, has once again stolen the spotlight—not just for her on-court prowess but for a quirky post-match plan that left British tennis legend Tim Henman utterly baffled. After a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over qualifier Janice Tjen in just an hour, Raducanu revealed a surprising intention that added a playful twist to her dominant run, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament narrative.
Raducanu’s second-round triumph was a masterclass in precision and poise, as she swept aside Tjen to maintain her flawless 9-0 record at the US Open. The British No. 1, donning her signature red outfit, showcased her lethal serve, racking up aces and dictating play with relentless aggression. “I thought that I served very well and I put quite a few aces on the board today,” Raducanu reflected, her confidence palpable. “It always helps me when I’m serving well. It just kind of seeps into the rest of my game.” Her performance against Tjen, who had stunned 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round, was a testament to her growing form. “I’m particularly happy because, on the court, I felt like my opponent was playing really good tennis,” she said. “I thought that she was very dangerous and any ball that I put mid-court was going to be punished. So I’m very pleased with how I kept dictating the points.”
Yet, it was her off-court revelation that sparked the biggest buzz. During a post-match interview, Sky Sports presenter Gigi Salmon shared Raducanu’s unexpected plan for her free afternoon, earned thanks to her swift victory. “She said I’ve been given the afternoon off and she was off to play golf. She said she has never played golf before,” Salmon told Henman, prompting a stunned reaction from the former British No. 1. “Golf? Is this a joke or is this serious?” Henman questioned, his disbelief echoing the sentiments of fans worldwide. “Okay, well that will test her back out,” he added, referencing Raducanu’s acknowledgment of a slight back stiffness during the match. “I just had a little bit of stiffness in the second set,” she admitted. “I think I have been doing a lot of training and I’m just happy it didn’t affect me too much.”
Raducanu’s decision to hit the golf course, despite no prior experience, added a layer of charm to her already captivating US Open journey. After her first-round win, she had returned to the practice courts, but this time, she opted for a lighthearted detour, showcasing her adventurous spirit. Henman, while initially floored, couldn’t help but praise her on-court brilliance. “If you take out of the equation the ranking of her opponent, and purely focus on the way Emma played, it was highly impressive,” he said. “Today I thought her performance was brilliant. I’ve seen her around the place over the last few days and she is in a great place.” His comments highlighted the balance Raducanu has struck between her intense preparation and her ability to embrace the moment, a quality that has endeared her to fans since her fairy-tale 2021 title run.
As Raducanu prepares to face No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina in a blockbuster third-round clash, her form suggests she’s ready for the challenge. “I’m just very pleased with that performance,” she said, emphasizing her ability to stay on the front foot against a dangerous opponent. The matchup against Rybakina promises to be a thrilling test, with Raducanu’s aggressive playstyle pitted against the Russian’s powerful game. Off the court, her golfing escapade has sparked curiosity about how she’ll unwind as the tournament intensifies. Will she swing a club with the same flair she brings to her forehand? Fans are eager to find out.
Raducanu’s journey at the 2025 US Open is shaping up to be about more than just tennis. Her blend of fierce competitiveness and playful spontaneity—whether it’s acing serves or attempting a new sport—has injected a dose of fun into the high-stakes atmosphere. As she continues to navigate the pressures of professional tennis, her ability to keep things light, as evidenced by her golfing plan, reminds us why she’s a fan favorite. With the tennis world watching, Raducanu is proving that she’s not just chasing titles but also embracing the joy of the journey, one unexpected adventure at a time.
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