Emma Raducanu Dominates US Open Opener in Record Time
The 2025 US Open kicked off with a bang as British tennis star Emma Raducanu made a stunning return to Flushing Meadows, dispatching qualifier Ena Shibahara in just 62 minutes. The straight-sets victory (6-1, 6-2) marked Raducanu’s fastest Grand Slam main-draw win and her first US Open triumph since her historic 2021 title run.
Early Morning Pressure Pays Off
When Raducanu saw her name listed for the tournament’s opening match—scheduled for 11 a.m. on the new Sunday start—she felt an extra edge of motivation.
You don’t want to be out of the tournament by 12:30 p.m. on a Sunday, she quipped after the match. That was definitely on my mind. But if it goes well, you get the whole afternoon off. I’m thrilled I can enjoy the rest of my day and celebrate.
The win sets up a second-round clash with Indonesia’s Janice Tjen on Wednesday—another opportunity for Raducanu to prove she’s rediscovered her form at the venue where she once stunned the world.
Inside Raducanu’s Revamped Camp
Fresh off her victory, Raducanu returned to the practice courts by 2 p.m. for a light session with her new coach, Francisco Roig. The Spanish veteran, who joined her team earlier this month, worked on refining her forehand returns in a relaxed, half-hour drill. Roig’s presence has brought fresh energy, though Raducanu admitted she barely needed guidance against Shibahara.
In a loud stadium like Louis Armstrong, you don’t hear much unless you’re lip-reading, she joked. But when I need it, I know he’s there.
Off the court, Raducanu and Roig have been bonding—whether through long car rides (with Roig handling driving duties) or impromptu Spanish lessons.
If anyone asks me to say something in Spanish, I just blurt out verb conjugations, she laughed. Not the best conversation starter, but I’m getting there.
Adding to her eclectic team is chiropractor Jerome Poupel, who has worked with Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and even treated racehorses.
No idea what he does with horses, and I don’t ask! Raducanu said. But since I’m a horse in the Chinese zodiac, maybe there’s a connection.
Rediscovering Her Happy Place
Returning to the US Open had been daunting for Raducanu after first-round exits in 2022 and 2024, plus a 2023 absence due to injury. But this year, she’s arrived with renewed confidence—having already notched more WTA match wins than ever before.
Breaking that four-year curse here feels like a relief, she admitted. I’ve finally got my happy place back.
Her relaxed demeanor was on full display during a mixed doubles exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week. That carefree attitude seems to be fueling her resurgence.
A New Chapter Begins
Raducanu’s dominant opener signals she’s ready to contend again. With a cohesive team behind her and a fresh mindset, the 22-year-old looks primed to recapture the magic of her 2021 fairy tale—one match at a time.
