Emma Raducanu’s electrifying return to the US Open in 2025 has not only reignited her own competitive fire but also captured the admiration of tennis royalty, with legend Martina Navratilova declaring that the young Brit “definitely means what she’s talking about.” Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, stormed through her first-round match against Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara, winning 6-1, 6-2 in a brisk 62 minutes, marking her fastest-ever Grand Slam victory. The 22-year-old’s performance was a masterclass in focus and aggression, but it was her post-match reflections that drew high praise from Navratilova, who lauded Raducanu’s clarity and conviction both on and off the court.
Playing under the bright lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu was a vision of confidence in her red Nike kit, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set within just 26 minutes. Shibahara, ranked No. 128, struggled to counter Raducanu’s pinpoint groundstrokes and unbreakable serve, managing only one hold to avoid a bagel. The second set followed suit, with Raducanu breaking twice and committing just six unforced errors to Shibahara’s 36. Remarkably, she faced no break points, a rare feat that underscored her serving dominance. “I’m very, very pleased to have won that match. It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” Raducanu told the New York crowd, her voice carrying the weight of her challenging journey. “First rounds are always difficult, especially at a Slam. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.”
Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon champion and one of tennis’s most revered voices, was particularly struck by Raducanu’s post-match demeanor. Commentating for Sky Sports, she remarked, “She played like the defending champion… very solid performance. She was playing with joy.” But it was Raducanu’s articulate reflection on her progress that resonated most. “She definitely means what she’s talking about,” Navratilova said, praising the authenticity and maturity in Raducanu’s words. “I see the progress that I’m making on the practice court,” Raducanu had shared, “and it might not come straight away, but I know over time I’m just racking up good days building, and I feel like it has to go somewhere.” This blend of self-awareness and optimism signaled a player rediscovering her groove after years of adversity.
Since her fairy-tale 2021 US Open triumph as an 18-year-old qualifier—the first in history to win a Grand Slam from qualifying—Raducanu has faced significant hurdles. First-round exits at Flushing Meadows in 2022 and 2024, coupled with a 2023 season lost to wrist and ankle surgeries, tested her resilience. Yet, 2025 has marked a turning point. Ranked No. 36, just outside the seedings, Raducanu arrived in New York buoyed by a WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami and competitive showings against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Her work with new coach Francisco Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal, has been pivotal. Roig’s vocal encouragement—“Vamos! You’re doing very good!”—echoed from the sidelines, and Raducanu credited her team, saying, “I’ve got amazing people in my corner, so I want to thank them, and it makes every day the work feel a lot more enjoyable.”
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman also chimed in, calling the performance “absolutely ideal” for a Grand Slam opener, noting how Raducanu “stamped her authority” early. Her efficiency—winning 85% of first-serve points and converting three of five break points—set her apart. Now, she faces Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, ranked No. 149, who upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. Tjen’s aggressive play will challenge Raducanu, but her newfound mental clarity and physical sharpness suggest she’s ready for the fight.
Raducanu’s victory, coupled with Navratilova’s glowing endorsement, has reignited excitement about her potential. As she navigates the 2025 US Open, her blend of conviction, skill, and joy is captivating fans and legends alike, signaling that the young star who once stunned the tennis world is poised for another deep run in New York.
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