The US Open 2025 is in full swing at Flushing Meadows, and British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is captivating fans as she continues her campaign in New York. Fresh off her first victory at the tournament since her fairy-tale 2021 title win, the 22-year-old British No. 1 is set to face Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in the second round on Wednesday, August 27. This high-stakes match marks another step in Raducanu’s journey to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite, and the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation.
### Match Details and Start Time
Raducanu’s second-round clash against Tjen is scheduled as the opening match on Louis Armstrong Stadium, with play set to begin at 11:00 AM local time (4:00 PM BST). The early start adds a layer of pressure, as Raducanu herself noted after her first-round win: “When I saw the Sunday schedule, I thought first day, first match at 11am – you don’t want to be out of the tournament by 12:30pm on a Sunday.” Her swift 62-minute victory over Ena Shibahara in the first round, however, suggests she’s ready to handle the spotlight. Fans can expect a focused and determined Raducanu as she aims to advance deeper into the tournament she once conquered as an 18-year-old qualifier.
### How to Watch the Action
Tennis enthusiasts can catch every moment of Raducanu’s match live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+ in the UK, with coverage starting at 4:00 PM BST. For those streaming, the Sky Sports app and NOW provide seamless access to the US Open, ensuring fans don’t miss a single serve or rally. In the US, select matches, including those on major courts like Louis Armstrong Stadium, will air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, with streaming available on ESPN+ for just $10.99/month—a budget-friendly option for comprehensive tournament coverage. Globally, DAZN and other regional broadcasters like Viaplay in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland offer additional viewing options. With Sky Sports’ extensive coverage, including commentary from experts like Tim Henman and Laura Robson, fans are in for a treat as they follow Raducanu’s journey.
### Raducanu’s Resurgence and First-Round Triumph
Raducanu’s return to Flushing Meadows has been nothing short of inspiring. After enduring first-round exits in 2022 and 2024 and missing the 2023 tournament due to injury, the former champion is rediscovering her form. Her commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara on Sunday marked her quickest Grand Slam main-draw win to date. “It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” Raducanu said post-match, reflecting on the significance of her return to winning ways in New York. Under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, who previously worked with Rafael Nadal, Raducanu showcased a polished performance, breaking Shibahara’s serve five times and dominating baseline rallies despite gusty conditions.
The victory was a testament to Raducanu’s growth, both on and off the court. Now ranked No. 35 in the world, she has won more WTA Tour-level matches in 2025 than ever before, climbing to the cusp of the top 30. “I thought it was a very clean performance, especially for the first round where there are nerves,” she admitted, crediting her relaxed mindset and improved preparation for her success. Her recent form, including a semi-final run in Washington and competitive showings against top players like Aryna Sabalenka, signals a player ready to make waves.
### The Challenge Ahead: Janice Tjen
Raducanu’s second-round opponent, Janice Tjen, is no pushover. The 23-year-old Indonesian qualifier stunned the tennis world by defeating No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round, marking her first Grand Slam main-draw victory. Tjen, ranked No. 147, has been a revelation in her debut year on the professional tour, winning six ITF tournaments and 59 matches while soaring from outside the top 400 to the brink of the top 100. Her throwback playing style, featuring a backhand slice and powerful forehand modeled after former world No. 1 Ash Barty, makes her a tricky opponent. “Tjen is also catching the eye,” noted a tennis analyst, highlighting her upset win as one of the tournament’s most surprising results.
### A Path Fraught with Challenges
Looking ahead, Raducanu faces a daunting road. A potential third-round clash with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina looms, followed by a possible quarter-final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, whom Raducanu pushed to the limit in recent encounters at Wimbledon and Cincinnati. Despite the tough draw, Raducanu’s renewed confidence and physical resilience—honed with the help of fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, formerly of Maria Sharapova’s team—position her well for a deep run. “I’m very happy, I’ve got amazing people in my corner,” she said, emphasizing the positive impact of her support team.
### Why This Match Matters
For Raducanu, the Flanders Darts Trophy—no, scratch that, the US Open 2025—is a chance to rewrite her narrative at a tournament that launched her into stardom. Her 2021 triumph as a qualifier remains one of tennis’s greatest underdog stories, but recent years have tested her resilience with injuries and intense scrutiny. Now, with a revitalized game and a joyful demeanor, Raducanu is embracing New York as her “happy place.” A strong performance against Tjen could propel her toward a defining moment in her comeback story, captivating fans and silencing doubters.
As the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd roars to life at 11:00 AM, all eyes will be on Raducanu to see if she can continue her resurgence. Will she overpower Tjen’s crafty game, or will the Indonesian qualifier pull off another upset? Tune in to find out as the US Open delivers another chapter of high-stakes tennis drama.
Leave a Reply