Emma Raducanu started with a victory at the 2025 US Open after defeating Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara by 2-0 (6:1, 6:2) in just 62 minutes on court. This is the first win for the British tennis player at the US Open after winning the title in 2021.
“Of course, I’m very, very happy with this match. This is my first win of 2021. I’m happy with the way I went through it”, said Emma Raducanu after the victory.
Three years ago, Emma Raducanu lost in the first round to Alize Cornet (France), and in 2023 she missed the tournament due to wrist and ankle surgery. Last year, she was already an outsider and left the court in tears after another first-round loss – this time to American Sofia Kenin.
The 22-year-old British tennis talent, who already works with Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig, led 5:0 in the first set before closing it at 6:1. Emma Raducanu led 4:0 in the second set, quickly closing the match.
The 2021 New York finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada also advanced to the second round, defeating compatriot Rebecca Marino by 2-0 (6:2, 6:1).
Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic) qualified for the second round after a 2-0 (6:3, 7:6(3)) win over Russian qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva.
Another Czech player qualified for the next phase – Tereza Valentova, who defeated Lucia Bronzetti (Italy) in three sets 2-1 (6:3, 3:6, 6:4) in just over two hours.
American tennis player McCartney Kessler also qualified for the next round, defeating Magda Linette (Poland) by 2-0 (7:5, 7:5).
Polina Kudermetova of Russia also advanced to the second phase with almost no play, her opponent Nuria Parrizas-Diaz (Spain) retired at 2:2 in the first set due to injury.
