Emma Raducanu marked a significant milestone in her career as she earned her first US Open victory since lifting the title in 2021. The British No 1 delivered a commanding performance, brushing aside qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to secure her place in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
After years of early exits and injury setbacks, Raducanu displayed composure and confidence from the outset. She opened with a calm hold to love, quickly establishing control with her sharp ball-striking. Shibahara, a former top-four doubles player and French Open mixed doubles champion, struggled to find consistency, tallying 36 unforced errors. Raducanu capitalized on every lapse, balancing aggression with stability to seal a straightforward win.
The triumph also marked her first grand slam success under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, who offered steady encouragement throughout the match. In her player box was chiropractor Jerome Poupel, who has been key in managing Raducanu’s lingering back issues. His unconventional background, including work in Formula 1 and equestrian sports, has provided fresh insights into her mindset and resilience.
Reflecting on the win, Raducanu admitted the significance of overcoming her New York struggles. Since her 2021 breakthrough, she had endured first-round defeats to Alizé Cornet and Sofia Kenin, alongside a painful withdrawal during her injury layoff in 2023. This victory, she noted, was as much about mental strength as it was about tennis.
A more self-assured Raducanu has emerged over the past year, learning to trust her instincts rather than over-relying on external guidance. Instead of obsessively scouting opponents, she now focuses on her own strengths, staying present in matches and less distracted by her support team. That shift has coincided with impressive consistency, with Raducanu winning 20 of her last 24 matches against lower-ranked players.
Her next challenge comes against fellow qualifier Janice Tjen, who stunned 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. For Raducanu, it represents an opportunity to build momentum in a tournament that once transformed her career and has since been a source of emotional highs and lows.
Four years on from her fairy-tale triumph, Raducanu’s return to winning ways in New York signals a fresh chapter. With restored confidence, improved resilience, and a team that understands her evolving needs, she looks ready to make another deep run.
