In the electric atmosphere of Flushing Meadows, where dreams are forged and legends are born, Emma Raducanu has rediscovered her spark. The 22-year-old British tennis sensation, who stunned the world as a teenage qualifier in 2021 by clinching the US Open title, has finally broken her New York drought. On the opening day of the 2025 US Open, Raducanu delivered a commanding performance, dispatching Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in just 62 minutes—marking the fastest Grand Slam main-draw victory of her career. This triumph, her first at Flushing Meadows since that unforgettable 2021 run, signals a rejuvenated Raducanu ready to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite.
The journey back to this moment hasn’t been easy. Since her fairytale victory four years ago, Raducanu has faced relentless challenges. Injuries sidelined her for the 2023 tournament, while first-round exits in 2022 and 2024—against Alize Cornet and Sofia Kenin, respectively—cast a shadow over her return to the hard courts of New York. The weight of expectation, coupled with the intense scrutiny that followed her meteoric rise, turned what was once her “happy place” into a source of pressure. “I really struggled when I came back in 2022. I didn’t enjoy coming back here,” Raducanu admitted, reflecting on those difficult years. But this time, something was different. Arriving in New York with a renewed sense of confidence and a spring in her step, Raducanu has transformed Flushing Meadows back into a stage for celebration.
Her performance against Shibahara was a masterclass in precision and poise. From the outset, Raducanu set the tone with a sizzling serve out wide, a bold declaration of intent that reverberated through Louis Armstrong Stadium despite the gusty winds. She wrapped up the first set in a mere 26 minutes, showcasing her ability to move fluidly and strike with minimal errors. Shibahara, ranked 130th and competing in only her second Grand Slam main draw, struggled to match Raducanu’s intensity, surrendering four of seven break points and racking up 36 unforced errors as her baseline game faltered. Raducanu, by contrast, was virtually untouchable on serve, her growing confidence evident in every rally. “The first game was important, holding to love. That relaxes you a little bit,” she said post-match, her relief palpable. “To play and put out such a clean performance in the first round, when there are inevitably a lot of nerves, I’m really proud I overcame that.”
This victory is more than a single win—it’s a testament to Raducanu’s resilience and evolution. Under the guidance of her new coach, Francisco Roig, a seasoned mentor who helped Rafael Nadal secure 22 Grand Slam titles, Raducanu has found a steady hand to guide her resurgence. Roig’s presence in her courtside box was a quiet force, his vocal support requiring little direct intervention as Raducanu dominated. “The people around me—I’m really enjoying working with Francis,” she shared. “He’s a great person to have on and off the court. He is chatty and great fun off the court, we have a lot of laughs which definitely helps. He’s great at having that calm and composure about him, reassuring me that all the work we’re doing off the court doesn’t need to pay off straight away.” Roig’s approach, blending technical precision with a relaxed demeanor, has clearly resonated, helping Raducanu rediscover her love for the game.
Off the court, Raducanu’s newfound joy is equally evident. Her recent appearance in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event alongside Carlos Alcaraz, though ending in a swift defeat to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, showcased her lighter side. The event, with its party-like atmosphere and hefty $1 million prize, drew a star-studded lineup and allowed Raducanu to reconnect with the fun of competition. “I feel in a way the same off court in terms of just enjoying my tennis, enjoying practising, enjoying competing, and the process of getting better,” she said, echoing the carefree spirit of her 2021 campaign. This positivity has translated into consistency, with Raducanu winning more WTA Tour-level matches this year than ever before, propelling her to the cusp of the world’s top 30.
Looking ahead, Raducanu’s path in the 2025 US Open is far from straightforward. Her second-round opponent will be either Indonesian qualifier Janie Tjen or the 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova, with a potential third-round clash against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina looming. Yet, her recent form—highlighted by a three-hour epic against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, where she pushed the top seed to a final-set tiebreak—suggests she’s ready for the challenge. “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,” Raducanu noted, her focus firmly on the long game.
As she prepares for her next match, Raducanu is already back on the practice court, fine-tuning her game with Roig’s guidance. “The match was taxing mentally to stay locked in, but physically it wasn’t the longest match, so I can just tidy up a few things,” she explained. For a player who once carried the weight of a nation’s expectations, this victory is a step toward shedding that burden and embracing her potential. “It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” she said, her smile reflecting a hard-earned moment of triumph. With Flushing Meadows once again her “happy place,” Raducanu’s story is far from over—it’s just beginning to unfold anew.
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