US Open: Raducanu Cruises Past Shibahara, Faces Tjen Next

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu books her spot in the second round of the US Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Ena Shibahara, her first win at Flushing Meadows since 2021.

Emma Raducanu has finally ended her US Open drought, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round. This win marks her first at the tournament since her fairytale title triumph in 2021, where she won the championship as an unseeded qualifier at just 18 years old.

Raducanu dominated the match, breaking Shibahara's serve routinely and showcasing her skill with precise shots and strong serving. The British player won the match in just 62 minutes, highlighting her superior form and composure on the court. With 36 unforced errors from Shibahara, Raducanu capitalized on her opponent's mistakes to seal the win.

Emma Raducanu's latest victory marked a triumphant return to the US Open winner's circle, four years after she made history as an unseeded qualifier. Back in 2021, Raducanu's remarkable run culminated in a 6-4, 6-3 win over Leylah Fernandez in the final, making her the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title in the professional era.

Raducanu's 2021 US Open win was a groundbreaking moment in tennis history. At just 18 years old, she became the first British woman to win a singles major since Virginia Wade's Wimbledon triumph in 1977. Her victory also marked the first time a teenager had contested a Grand Slam final since Serena Williams defeated Martina Hingis in 1999.

In-form Emma Raducanu starts with a dominant win! pic.twitter.com/xkEh7O6CVv

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

Raducanu's path to the 2021 US Open title was nothing short of extraordinary. Ranked 150th in the world at the time, she won three qualifying matches and then went on to win 10 consecutive matches in the main draw, including victories over Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic and semifinalist Maria Sakkari.

Emma Raducanu has finally broken her US Open drought, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round. This win marks her first at the tournament since her fairytale title triumph in 2021, where she won the championship as an unseeded qualifier at just 18 years old. After being knocked out in the first round in 2022 and missing the 2023 tournament due to injury, Raducanu faced another early exit in 2024. “I'm very, very pleased to have won that match,“ Raducanu said in an on-court interview, expressing her relief and satisfaction with her performance.

Raducanu's journey to this win hasn't been smooth sailing. She's faced setbacks, including injuries that forced her to miss the 2023 tournament. Her road to recovery has been marked by determination and resilience. Despite struggling with wrist and ankle surgeries, Raducanu has worked hard to regain her form. Her recent win is a testament to her perseverance and dedication to the sport.

With this win, Raducanu advances to the next round, where she'll face a new challenge. Her focus now shifts to preparing for her upcoming match, where she'll aim to build on her momentum and continue her winning streak. Raducanu's performance has been impressive, and fans are eagerly watching her progress in the tournament.

“It's my first win here since 2021 so it's extra special. The first round is always difficult, so I'm very happy to come through that.

“I'm very pleased with how I managed myself through that match.“

Emma Raducanu will face Indonesia's Janice Tjen in the second round of the US Open after Tjen's surprise win over 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova. This matchup comes after Raducanu's convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round, where she showcased her skill and dominance on the court.