Emma Raducanu defeated Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1 6-2 in 62 minutes, marking her first US Open victory since 2021. New coach Francisco Roig was present courtside as Raducanu produced an aggressive serve and a dominant opening set. Recent years included injuries, early first-round exits in 2022 and 2024, and a missed 2023 tournament, but she has won more WTA Tour-level matches this year than before and sits near the top 30 in the world rankings. A more relaxed off-court demeanour, including a mixed doubles outing with Carlos Alcaraz, coincided with renewed vigour.
Emma Raducanu ruthlessly swept aside Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara to earn her first win at the US Open since her memorable 2021 title triumph. British number one Raducanu needed only 62 minutes to secure a 6-1 6-2 victory on the opening day of the hard-court Grand Slam in New York. It was the quickest Grand Slam main-draw victory of her career.
New coach Francisco Roig, who helped Rafael Nadal to his 22 major titles, led the vocal support from her courtside box - although there was little guidance or input needed. "It's my first win here since 2021 so it feels extra special," Raducanu said. Returning to the scene where she shocked the world as a teenage qualifier has previously been a burden for 22-year-old Raducanu. Chastening first-round defeats in 2022 and 2024 came either side of missing the 2023 tournament through injury.
This year she is back at Flushing Meadows with improved form and a renewed vigour. Raducanu has won more WTA Tour-level matches this year than ever before and has climbed to the cusp of the top 30 in the world rankings. A series of injuries over the past four years, combined with the mental load of such frenzied attention, means Raducanu is only now seeing the US Open as her "happy place".
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