US Open: Emma Raducanu overcomes Flushing Meadows hurdle, registers first win since 2021

Emma Raducanu finally broke her Flushing Meadows curse, cruising past Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in the first round of the US Open on Sunday, August 24.

This was Raducanu’s first victory at the tournament since her stunning title run as a qualifier in 2021. After exiting in the first round in her previous two US Open appearances, the 22-year-old was in commanding form, needing just 62 minutes to secure the win. Raducanu will next face the winner of the match between 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova and Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen.

Raducanu dominated the first set with only four unforced errors, winning the first five games. Shibahara struggled early with double faults, allowing Raducanu to build a strong lead. In the second set, she won the first four games in a row, saved the only break point she faced in the sixth game, and forced Shibahara into an error to close out the match.

Raducanu’s reaction:
“It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special,” said Raducanu, who recently teamed up with new coach Francisco Roig. “First round’s always difficult—especially at a Slam.”

Raducanu has shown promising form this year, challenging World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon and performing well at the Cincinnati Open. “I see the progress that I’m making on the practice court. I feel like it has to go somewhere,” she added, highlighting her confidence in continued improvement.

This win signals a strong start to Raducanu’s 2025 US Open campaign as she looks to build momentum and reclaim her top form.