Emma Raducanu kicked off her US Open journey with impressive flair, swiftly defeating Ena Shibahara, the world No. 128, in an emphatic match on the tournament’s opening Sunday. With a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2, Raducanu completed the contest in just over an hour, marking a triumphant return to Flushing Meadows since her sensational win there in 2021 at the young age of 18.
Supported by her newly appointed and highly experienced Spanish coach, Francisco Roig—who has a storied history in tennis, having coached Rafael Nadal for two decades—Raducanu showcased a polished performance that delighted the audience on the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium. While she can expect tougher challenges as the tournament progresses, this match served as an ideal launchpad, setting a promising tone for her campaign.
After the match, Raducanu shared her elation: “Of course I’m very, very pleased with that match. It’s my first win here since 2021. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.” Her words reflected both her joy and the hard work she has poured into her training. “I’m just very pleased with how I managed myself and my game throughout the match,” she added, indicating a newfound maturity in her approach to high-stakes tennis.
Eager to build on the momentum she created in this first match, Raducanu spoke glowingly about her revamped coaching team and their influence on her performance. “I’m very happy. I’ve got amazing people in my corner over there. I want to thank them,” she explained, emphasizing the enjoyment and satisfaction she derives from their support. “It makes every day of the work feel a lot more enjoyable, pleasurable, and I can see the progress I’m making on the practice court. It might not come straight away, but I know that over time, I’m just stacking up good days and building. I believe it has to lead somewhere positive.”
Notably, Raducanu was just one place shy of achieving a seeding, a fact that added an extra layer of motivation to her game. She quickly established her dominance against Shibahara, who at 27 was participating in only her second main singles draw at a Grand Slam event. The blustery conditions on the day made play challenging for both competitors; however, Raducanu remained remarkably steady, opening the match with an impressive ace and racing to a robust 5-0 lead.
Despite Shibahara eventually claiming her first game, Raducanu maintained her pressure, closing out the opening set after a brief interruption. She continued her assertive play in the second set, swiftly taking a 4-0 lead, which further showcased her concentration and determination. Shibahara had a fleeting opportunity to claw back into the match when she received a break point that would have narrowed the score to 4-2. However, Raducanu’s quick reflexes and tactical awareness shone through as she expertly handled a short volley. Celebrating a little victory, she pumped her fist and vocalized her thrill when her opponent netted a backhand, ultimately sealing the match decisively with a commanding game to love.
This victory not only boosts Raducanu’s confidence but also sets the stage for what could be an exciting run in the tournament, reinforcing her status as a formidable competitor on the grand stage of tennis. With newfound energy and a supportive team rallying behind her, she is poised to continue building on this favorable start and perhaps even create more unforgettable moments at the US Open.
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