In the pulsating heart of Flushing Meadows, where the roar of the crowd fuels every swing, Emma Raducanu delivered a performance that reminded the tennis world of her prodigious talent. The 2021 US Open champion, still just 22, stormed into the third round of the 2025 tournament with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The match, a swift display of precision and power, saw Raducanu drop just six games across her first two rounds, signaling a resurgence for the British star who has been navigating the weight of expectations since her historic triumph four years ago. But it was her heartfelt post-match gesture and candid reflections that truly captured the moment, as she addressed the pressure of being a role model for an emerging talent like Tjen.
Raducanu’s journey back to form has been anything but smooth. Since her fairy-tale run in 2021, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, she’s faced injuries, coaching changes, and the relentless spotlight of fame. Yet, under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal, Raducanu has found a renewed spark. Her performance against Tjen was a masterclass in control—she breezed through the match without dropping a set, her groundstrokes crisp and her movement fluid. The British number one, now ranked 35th in the world, showcased a game that has evolved significantly, blending aggressive baseline play with tactical finesse honed through Roig’s expertise. Their bond, forged during long car journeys to tournaments like the Cincinnati Open, has clearly translated into on-court confidence.
For Tjen, the match was a bittersweet milestone. The 23-year-old Indonesian, making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, had already etched her name in history as the first player from her country to win a US Open singles match in 22 years, stunning 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. Tjen’s journey to this stage was unconventional—she balanced a sociology degree at Pepperdine University with a burgeoning tennis career, amassing 13 ITF titles and a 100-13 record since last May. Inspired by Raducanu’s 2021 heroics, which she watched while sidelined by injury in college, Tjen admitted the Brit was a major influence. “When Emma won the tournament and [was] having an incredible run here, I was actually in college, and I was injured at the time, so I got to watch a lot of tennis,” she recalled. “Emma is very big. Everyone loves Emma at home. She’s a very well-known player, and I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
This revelation, however, added a layer of pressure for Raducanu. Knowing she was Tjen’s role model, she admitted it heightened the stakes. “It puts a bit of pressure on but at the same time it’s a really nice feeling,” Raducanu said post-match, her voice carrying a mix of humility and resolve. Despite the lopsided scoreline, she was quick to praise her opponent’s potential. “I think Janice is playing some really dangerous tennis. She’s gone through some tough opponents. Beat one of the top seeds first round,” she noted. “Playing really well and I think she can build and take a lot of confidence from this week. It was great to play her. I look forward for the next time.” Her words were a touching nod to Tjen’s achievement, reflecting the grace that has made Raducanu a fan favorite.
The match itself was a showcase of Raducanu’s dominance. She broke Tjen’s serve early and often, capitalizing on the Indonesian’s weaker backhand to dictate rallies. The New York crowd, known for its electric energy, roared in support, though Raducanu admitted the noise sometimes drowned out Roig’s sideline advice. “You don’t really hear it unless you’re kind of lip-reading,” she said with a smile, a testament to her ability to stay locked in. Her performance was a stark contrast to her post-2021 struggles at Flushing Meadows, where she hadn’t won a match until this year’s first-round rout of Ena Shibahara. That 62-minute victory, her fastest in a Grand Slam, set the tone for this run, and against Tjen, she was even more ruthless.
As Raducanu prepares for her third-round clash on August 29, potentially against formidable foes like Elena Rybakina or Tereza Valentova, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. Can she reclaim the magic of 2021? Her recent form suggests she’s ready to make a deep run, turning pressure into power. For Tjen, the loss stings, but the experience—and Raducanu’s kind words—offer a foundation to build on. In a sport where rivalries often overshadow camaraderie, Raducanu’s gesture reminds us of the human connections that elevate the game.
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