Emma Raducanu overcame a significant mental hurdle to record her first US Open match win since her 2021 title, defeating qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to reach the second round. Raducanu rebounded from painful early exits to Alize Cornet and Sofia Kenin and a 2023 withdrawal during recovery from three surgeries by delivering a clean performance. New coach Francisco Roig provided constant positive reinforcement from the Louis Armstrong Arena corner. The British No 1 is now 20-4 against lower-ranked opponents over the past year, strengthening her consistency. A tougher opponent awaits, potentially Veronika Kudermetova or qualifier Janice Tjen.
After painful first-round defeats against Alize Cornet and Sofia Kenin, plus a withdrawal in 2023 during her recovery from three surgeries, Raducanu showed her growth and newfound self-assurance by putting together a solid, clean performance against an inferior opponent. It also signified a confidence-building first grand slam victory alongside her new Spanish coach, Francisco Roig, who again offered his charge a constant stream of positive reinforcement from a corner of Louis Armstrong Arena.
With the victory, the British No 1 is now 20-4 against lower-ranked players over the past year. She has gradually evolved into a reliable player against lesser opponents, which has been a key part of her steady rise up the rankings. Having been one spot away from being seeded, a much tougher challenge could await Raducanu on Wednesday as she faces either the 24th seed, Veronika Kudermetova, or Janice Tjen, a qualifier.
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