Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, electrified the tennis world with a commanding performance at Flushing Meadows in 2025, marking her first victory at the tournament since her historic title run four years prior. The 22-year-old British star dismantled Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in a swift 62 minutes, cruising to a 6-1, 6-2 win in the first round of the 2025 US Open. This victory, her fastest ever in a Grand Slam, was more than just a step forward in the tournament—it was a deeply personal milestone that banished lingering demons from past disappointments. Raducanu’s emotional post-match reflections revealed why this win held a unique significance, resonating with fans and reigniting excitement around her burgeoning comeback.
The journey back to winning ways in New York was anything but straightforward for Raducanu. After her fairy-tale 2021 US Open triumph as an 18-year-old qualifier—the first in the Open era to claim a major title—she faced crushing setbacks. First-round exits in 2022 to Alize Cornet and in 2024 to Sofia Kenin, coupled with a withdrawal in 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries, left her winless at Flushing Meadows for four years. The weight of those losses lingered. “It has been on my mind,” Raducanu admitted, her voice tinged with relief. “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 emphatic victory over Shibahara, an American-born Japanese player and former top-four doubles competitor, signaled a turning point, showcasing her growth and newfound confidence.
Raducanu’s performance was a masterclass in control and aggression. From the opening game, she set the tone with a composed hold to love, her early ball-striking imposing her will on an erratic Shibahara, who racked up 36 unforced errors. Raducanu’s aggressive return position and sharp serving—honed under the guidance of her new coach, Francisco Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal—left her opponent reeling. “Of course I’m very, very pleased to have won that match,” she told the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium. “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 ability to stay focused, relying less on scouting and more on trusting her own game, marked a shift in maturity. “I’m trusting myself, trusting my own abilities a lot more,” she said, a testament to her evolving mindset.
This victory was not just about overcoming Shibahara but also about silencing the doubts that had haunted Raducanu since her meteoric rise. The 2021 US Open catapulted her to global stardom, but the subsequent years brought intense scrutiny, injuries, and public criticism. Her 2023 injury layoff, necessitating surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle, tested her resilience. Yet, 2025 has been a season of renewal. With 26 wins—the most in any single year of her career—Raducanu has shown consistency and grit. Her pre-US Open form, including a competitive 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, crediting Roig and her team for her progress.
The road ahead at the 2025 US Open promised tougher tests. Raducanu advanced to face Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in the second round, a player ranked world number 147 who had claimed her first Grand Slam main-draw win. Beyond that loomed a potential clash with ninth seed Elena Rybakina, who would ultimately end Raducanu’s run in the third round. Despite the eventual defeat, Raducanu’s first-round triumph was a beacon of hope, a moment she described as “extra special” for its emotional weight. As she continues to rebuild, her focus on daily 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”—signals a player poised for a bright future. For Raducanu, this rapid win was not just a scoreline; it was a powerful statement of resilience and a reminder of her championship pedigree.pulted her to global stardom, but the subsequent years brought intense scrutiny, injuries, and public criticism. Her 2023 injury layoff, necessitating surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle, tested her resilience. Yet, 2025 has been a season of renewal. With 26 wins—the most in any single year of her career—Raducanu has shown consistency and grit. Her pre-US Open form, including a competitive 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, crediting Roig and her team for her progress.
The road ahead at the 2025 US Open promised tougher tests. Raducanu advanced to face Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in the second round, a player ranked world number 147 who had claimed her first Grand Slam main-draw win. Beyond that loomed a potential clash with ninth seed Elena Rybakina, who would ultimately end Raducanu’s run in the third round. Despite the eventual defeat, Raducanu’s first-round triumph was a beacon of hope, a moment she described as “extra special” for its emotional weight. As she continues to rebuild, her focus on daily 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”—signals a player poised for a bright future. For Raducanu, this rapid win was not just a scoreline; it was a powerful statement of resilience and a reminder of her championship pedigree.
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