Raducanu, ranked 36th, fell just short of a seeding at the US Open

Raducanu Embraces Pressure with Dominant US Open Victory

Emma Raducanu made an emphatic start to her US Open 2025 campaign, breezing past Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 in just one hour at Flushing Meadows. The 22-year-old Brit showed flashes of her title-winning form from 2021 and said afterward she is learning to “embrace expectation” rather than shy away from it.

Now ranked world number 36, Raducanu delivered a confident and composed performance, anchored by her strong serving and baseline dominance. She landed 79% of her first serves, hit eight aces, and won 76% of those points — keeping Tjen on the defensive throughout.

“I’m happy – I think I’m embracing the pressure and expectation a lot more now,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. “There are still eyes on what I’m doing… it’s a good sign people think I can win again.”

Learning from the Past

Raducanu’s career launched into the spotlight when she won the US Open as a qualifier in 2021. Now, she’s drawing on that experience to avoid becoming a victim of the same underdog storyline. Her first-round opponent, Janice Tjen, had shocked 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova earlier but was no match for Raducanu’s tactical and physical dominance.

Despite some second-set stiffness in her back, Raducanu managed to maintain her level without disruption. “I’m just happy it didn’t affect me too much,” she said.

Coaching Boost and Serve Development

Working with new coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu is focusing on turning her serve into a true weapon — and the early signs are promising. Against Tjen, she not only found consistent rhythm on serve but used it to control the tempo of every rally.

Her deep groundstrokes and aggressive baseline play also nullified Tjen’s slice and variety, which had earned comparisons to Ashleigh Barty from some commentators.

“It always helps me when I’m serving well. It just kind of seeps into the rest of my game,” Raducanu added.

What’s Next?

Raducanu could face a far tougher test in round three, likely against 9th seed Elena Rybakina, should the former Wimbledon champion get past Tereza Valentova. That match could mark a true litmus test for Raducanu’s resurgent form and mentality.

With eight wins in her last 11 matches and growing confidence in her serve and movement, Raducanu may be entering a new phase in her career — one defined not by pressure, but by control of it.