Emma Raducanu’s return to Flushing Meadows for the 2025 US Open carries a weight far beyond the court. The 22-year-old British tennis star, who stunned the world in 2021 by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, has faced a tumultuous journey since her historic triumph. Her sensational run, defeating top players like Belinda Bencic and Leylah Fernandez without dropping a set, catapulted her to global stardom at just 18. Yet, the years that followed brought challenges that tested her resilience— injuries, coaching changes, and a wave of negativity that dimmed her love for the game. “I really struggled when I came back in 2022,” Raducanu admitted, reflecting on her return to the US Open after her 2021 victory. “I didn’t enjoy coming back here. When I won in 2021, I didn’t know about this world of potential negativity and [people] bringing players down.”
The 2025 US Open marks a turning point for Raducanu, who enters the tournament with renewed optimism and a healthier mindset. Her 2022 title defense ended in a shocking first-round loss to Alize Cornet, followed by an absence in 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries. Last year, another early exit against Sofia Kenin left her emotional, grappling with the weight of expectations. “That affected me a lot in the last few years. It still definitely gets me from time to time,” she confessed, acknowledging the lingering impact of public scrutiny. Yet, Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a story of resurgence. Ranked No. 34, she has climbed from No. 89 earlier this year, with standout performances including a semi-final at the Washington Open and a competitive showing against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon. Her first-round victory over Ena Shibahara at this year’s US Open, a swift 6-1, 6-2 rout, marked her first win at Flushing Meadows since 2021, signaling a reclaiming of her happy place.
Raducanu’s emotional evolution is evident in her reflections on her 2021 triumph. “I think now is the first time that I feel like I can come back to the US Open and really enjoy the memories that I made here and be proud of that,” she said, a stark contrast to the pressure-filled returns of previous years. The negativity she faced, often fueled by critics labeling her US Open win a “fluke,” took a toll, particularly in 2022 when she was still adjusting to fame’s harsh spotlight. “When I won in 2021, I didn’t know about this world of potential negativity and [people] bringing players down,” she reiterated, highlighting how unprepared she was for the criticism that followed her meteoric rise. Her resilience, however, has been bolstered by a stable support system, including childhood coach Nick Cavaday and mentor Mark Petchey, alongside a new full-time coach, Francisco Roig, formerly part of Rafael Nadal’s team.
The 2025 US Open sees Raducanu embracing a fresh perspective, fueled by consistent performances and a healthier body. Her second-round win over Jessica Pegula showcased her ability to compete with the best, pushing her closer to a top-20 ranking. “This is the first time I feel like I can come back to the US Open and really enjoy what I’m doing day to day,” she shared, radiating a newfound joy. Off the court, Raducanu has faced personal trials, including a stalking ordeal that heightened her need for security, yet she remains defiant. “I’m someone who cares what people think, but I’m tough,” she asserted, determined to let her tennis speak for itself.
As Raducanu advances in the tournament, her story resonates as one of redemption. The young star who once dazzled the world is rediscovering her love for the game, undeterred by past struggles. With the support of her team and the roar of the Flushing Meadows crowd, she is poised to create new memories, proving that her 2021 triumph was no fluke but the start of a remarkable career.
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