Emma Raducanu is back at the US Open with a fire in her eyes and a belief that her championship form from 2021 is within reach. The 22-year-old British sensation, who captivated the tennis world by winning the title as an 18-year-old qualifier, is radiating confidence as she prepares to face qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round on August 24, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium. After navigating injuries, coaching changes, and intense scrutiny, Raducanu feels ready to take on the world’s best, declaring, “I’m starting to see my level come back.” Her journey back to Flushing Meadows is a story of resilience, growth, and a renewed passion for the game that made her a global star.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph remains one of tennis’s greatest fairy tales. She stormed through the tournament without dropping a set, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final to become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title. The victory catapulted her from world No. 150 to No. 23, earning her a place in British sporting history alongside Virginia Wade. However, the years since have tested her mettle. Early exits in 2022 and 2024, coupled with a 2023 absence due to wrist and ankle surgeries, dimmed her star momentarily. Now, ranked No. 35 and the British No. 1, Raducanu is embracing her return to New York with a fresh perspective. “I’m just really enjoying being here, and it’s bringing out some great tennis,” she said, her words brimming with optimism.
Her recent performances signal a player on the cusp of rediscovering her peak. During the American hard-court swing, Raducanu reached the semifinals in Washington, D.C., toppling four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari. In Cincinnati, she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the limit in a three-hour, three-set thriller, falling just short in two tiebreaks. “I pushed the world No. 1 to two tiebreaks, and that gives me a lot of confidence,” she said, highlighting how these battles have sharpened her game. Her ability to compete with top players has fueled her belief that she can go toe-to-toe with anyone. “I’m starting to see my level come back, and I’m ready to compete with these players now,” she declared, a statement that underscores her growing self-assurance.
A key factor in Raducanu’s resurgence is her partnership with coach Francis Roig, formerly a technical adviser to Rafael Nadal. After cycling through multiple coaches since her childhood mentor Nick Cavaday stepped down, Roig has brought stability and a focus on an attacking style. “I’m just focusing on my tennis and trying to compete,” Raducanu said, crediting Roig for helping her trust her process. Her preparation for the US Open has been meticulous, with Roig refining her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve. Facing Shibahara, a doubles specialist ranked No. 130 with limited singles experience, Raducanu has a golden opportunity to build early momentum. Their previous encounter at the 2024 Nottingham Open saw Raducanu dominate 6-1, 6-4, and she’ll aim to replicate that form on the hard courts.
Beyond her on-court exploits, Raducanu’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Born in Toronto to Romanian and Chinese parents and raised in Bromley, England, she speaks three languages and carries a global appeal, with endorsements from Nike, Dior, and Tiffany boosting her net worth to £13.5 million. Yet, her focus remains on the game. “I’m just trying to enjoy it and let my tennis flow,” she said, echoing the carefree spirit of her 2021 run. A potential third-round clash with No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova looms, but Raducanu’s eyes are on bigger prizes, including a deep run that could propel her back into the top 20.
As she steps onto Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu carries the weight of expectation and the freedom of a player rediscovering her joy. “I’m really enjoying being here,” she said, her words a reminder of the spark that made her a champion. With her game sharpening and her confidence soaring, Raducanu is poised to challenge the world’s best, ready to write a new chapter in her US Open legacy that could echo the magic of 2021.
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