Emma Raducanu Finds Her Form Again
Emma Raducanu is all smiles these days, and it seems her game is back on track too.
The young British player broke her three-year drought at the US Open, winning her first match in Flushing Meadows since her life-changing title in 2021.
In a commanding performance, Raducanu defeated qualifier Enachibahara 6-1, 6-2 at Louis Armstrong Stadium, wrapping up the first set in just 26 minutes. It feels like a massive mental barrier has been cleared, making New York a happy haven for her once more.
“Yeah, that was definitely in my heart,” remarked Raducanu, 22. “Four years have gone by, and this tournament holds a special place for me. This year felt different. I feel like I’m doing the right things every day, but there’s still that nagging thought in the back of your mind.”
“It’s my first victory here since 2021, so that’s a big deal. The first round is always tough, and I’m really pleased with how I handled it, especially at the slams,” she added.
Raducanu’s journey began at the 2021 US Open when she captivated not just with her skills but with her radiant smile. However, she faced struggles after her title defense ended with an early exit against Cornet. Last year, she had another first-round loss to Sofia Kenin, and she missed the 2023 tournament due to injuries.
Returning to New York became a mental hurdle for her. “In 2022, I struggled. I really didn’t enjoy coming back here,” Raducanu shared. “But now, I can actually enjoy the memories of my time here. It feels like a proud, happy place again.”
On Sunday, she appeared joyful on the court, serving effectively and positioning herself well for returns. There was a newfound confidence in her movements.
It seems she’s also happy with her new coach, Francisco Roig, who previously coached Rafa Nadal. “I really believe in what we’re doing during practice with Francisco,” Raducanu stated. “We’re on the right track, and it’s going really well. I feel like I’m improving, not just because I’ve won these matches, but because I’m really putting in the work.”
Despite some pre-match nerves, getting off to a strong start helped settle her down. She made the match look easy, committing only six unforced errors while her opponent struggled with 36.
Raducanu jumped to a quick 5-0 lead and maintained control.
“I started off strong, and it allowed me to feel relaxed,” she explained. “That strong beginning was vital, especially serving at the outset. I had the feeling I could keep it going.”
Now, Raducanu is looking to build on this momentum. After her victory, she appeared poised to advance, sitting at World No. 33 in the live rankings and aiming for a top-30 finish.
With No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova upset by Janice Tjen, Raducanu will face another challenger in her journey. A minor scheduling hiccup has given her some free time in New York, transforming it back into a joyful place for her.
“My Nana—she’s not my real grandma, but I think of her that way—she’s from New York and suggested I check out an art exhibition,” Raducanu shared. “I’ve been really into art lately, and that exhibit has just reopened after being under construction for several years. It’s incredibly exciting.”
