Emma Raducanu Breaks U.S. Open Drought with Impressive Win

New York, Aug 25 (AP) — Emma Raducanu has finally broken her winless streak at the U.S. Open, securing her first victory at the Grand Slam event since her sensational triumph in 2021. As an 18-year-old qualifier back then, Raducanu astounded the tennis world, and on this occasion, she dispatched Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in a swift 62 minutes.

"Of course, I'm very, very pleased," Raducanu remarked on Sunday, appreciating the significance of winning again in New York after quite some time. "So it's extra special." Post her unexpected championship win four years ago, which remains her lone tour-level title, Raducanu faced a series of setbacks. She exited in the first round at Flushing Meadows in 2022, was absent from the tournament in 2023 due to surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, and once more fell in the first round the following year.

“First rounds are always difficult, especially at a Slam,” Raducanu explained. “There are always nerves.” However, this season has seen Raducanu experiencing a revival in form. Solid performances have elevated her ranking from outside the top 70 to No. 36 this week, nudging the 22-year-old Briton near the seedings at the U.S. Open. Even in losses against No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Raducanu has shown promise.

Under a partly cloudy sky, Raducanu delivered a commanding performance in the day’s opening match at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Within 40 minutes, she had taken a set and was up by two breaks at 3-0 in the second.

Her new coach, Francisco Roig, renowned for his past collaboration with the 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal, was present. Roig’s positive reinforcements were a constant during the match, with Raducanu’s groundstrokes proving too much for Shibahara, a Japanese qualifier ranked 128th.

“Vamos!” Roig encouraged at one point. “You're doing very good.” Shibahara had reached this stage without dropping a set in qualifying, but Raducanu's history as the only player to capture a Grand Slam after qualifying was not to be replicated here.

Raducanu’s journey post her groundbreaking victory has been tumultuous. In 2022, she joined the ranks of only the third reigning women's champion in the professional era to suffer a first-round loss a year later, paralleling Svetlana Kuznetsova and Angelique Kerber. Injury woes followed, but Raducanu appears to have overcome them.

Healthy now, Raducanu showcased her potential by dominating her opponent. Facing just one break point, which she saved, and committing a mere six unforced errors while benefiting from Shibahara's 36 errors, Raducanu exemplified her strategic game management.

“Managed myself, managed my game, during that match,” said Raducanu. “I see the progress I'm making on the practice court.” (AP) PDS PDS

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