Emma Raducanu Wins First US Open Match Since 2021

Emma Raducanu secured her first US Open singles victory since her 2021 title by defeating Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in the opening round of the 2025 tournament. This win marked her 25th victory of the season, the most in her career, and was her quickest match victory to date. After struggling with injuries and early exits in previous years, Raducanu's dominant performance, praised by tennis legend Martina Navratilova, signals a return to form and confidence on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Despite Shibahara's status as a qualifier and some surprises in her baseline play, Raducanu managed the match with composure and joy, emphasizing her improved mindset and preparation. The British number one expressed special pride in breaking her US Open win drought and highlighted the support from her team and her enjoyment of the progress made during practice. Raducanu is now set to face either 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova or Janice Tjen in the second round, with hopes high that the US Open will once again be a successful hunting ground for her.