Emma Raducanu’s return to the US Open in 2025 marked her strongest performance at Flushing Meadows since her fairy-tale 2021 title win as a teenage qualifier. The British star, now 22, had reignited hopes of recapturing her Grand Slam magic with two commanding victories to reach the third round. However, her campaign came to an abrupt end on August 29, 2025, with a swift 6-1, 6-2 defeat to 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in just 62 minutes at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Raducanu’s journey this year reflects a player on the rise, navigating challenges and building toward a brighter future.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a story of resilience. After enduring injury-plagued years following her historic US Open triumph, she arrived in New York with a career-high 26 tour-level wins under her belt. Her first two matches at the 2025 US Open were a testament to her renewed form, as she dropped just six games combined en route to the third round. This was her first time winning matches at Flushing Meadows since becoming the first qualifier to claim a major title four years ago. Yet, against Rybakina, the No. 9 seed from Kazakhstan, Raducanu faced a formidable challenge that exposed the gap she still needs to bridge to compete with the world’s elite.
Rybakina was relentless from the outset, her game firing on all cylinders. Her serves, reaching speeds of up to 118 mph, neutralized Raducanu’s renowned return game, one of her greatest strengths. The Kazakhstani never faced a break point and dominated baseline exchanges, amassing a 23-8 advantage in winners. “It’s true: For some reason, the U.S. Open wasn’t really successful for me,” Rybakina reflected, noting her historic struggles at the tournament. “Hopefully this year, that will change.” For Rybakina, this victory marked her first time reaching Week 2 at Flushing Meadows, a milestone in her otherwise stellar Grand Slam record, which includes quarter-final appearances or better at every other major.
Raducanu, unseeded and ranked outside the top 50, acknowledged the intensity that top players bring when facing her. “When the very top play against me, they have a point to prove that they’re at the top, and they’re there for a reason,” she said. “I think every time I’ve played one, they’ve kind of shown that. So I think at the same time, while I’m improving, doing better, gaining maybe some more respect around, the top have definitely raised their game. I’ll take that as a compliment that they’ve decided to really lock in against me.” Her 2025 Grand Slam season has been defined by tough draws, with losses to former champions Iga Świątek at the Australian Open and French Open, Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, and now Rybakina. Yet, her competitive showing against Sabalenka, a tight 7-6, 6-4 defeat, suggests she’s closer to the elite than the scoreline against Rybakina might indicate.
A key factor in Raducanu’s resurgence is her new coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, the experienced Spaniard who helped Rafael Nadal secure 22 Grand Slam titles. Since teaming up less than a month ago, Raducanu has focused on elevating her game to consistently challenge top opponents. “I’ve lost to Iga twice, Aryna, and Elena, so it’s tough,” she admitted. “But at the same time, that’s where I’m at with my ranking. I can play top opponents in the first, second, or third round. So I’ve just got to do my best in the next few months until Australia to just keep working to try to close the gap.” Roig’s influence has already shown promise, with Raducanu noting improvements in her shot consistency and tactical approach.
The match against Rybakina highlighted areas for growth. Raducanu struggled to counter Rybakina’s power, particularly from the baseline, where the Kazakhstani’s depth and aggression pushed her further behind the court. By the second set, Raducanu’s belief appeared to waver, a stark contrast to her confident play earlier in the tournament. Yet, she remains optimistic, viewing the loss as a learning opportunity. Her ability to exorcise past demons by winning matches at the US Open for the first time since 2021 is a significant step forward. “I’m improving, doing better,” she said, emphasizing the respect she’s earning among peers.
Looking ahead, Raducanu plans to continue working with Roig through the end of the season, focusing on refining her game for the 2026 Australian Open. Her aggressive baseline style and powerful two-handed backhand remain assets, but enhancing her serve and building physical resilience will be crucial to matching the firepower of players like Rybakina. The heavier balls used at the US Open, which favor longer rallies, also posed a challenge, underscoring the need for adaptability.
Raducanu’s 2025 US Open may have ended sooner than hoped, but her performance signals a player rediscovering her form. With a new coach, a stronger body, and a renewed mindset, she’s poised to keep climbing. As she prepares for the Asian hard-court swing and beyond, Raducanu’s determination to “close the gap” promises an exciting chapter in her evolving career.
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