NEW YORK — In a display of power and precision that sent a clear message to the rest of the draw, Emma Raducanu emphatically booked her place in the US Open third round on Wednesday.
The 2021 champion, who entered this year's tournament under an injury cloud and with a protected ranking, needed just 67 minutes to dismantle qualifier Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 6-2, 6-2 under the roof on a rainy day at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The victory marks the first time Raducanu has reached the third round of a Grand Slam since her historic title run here three years ago.
More impressively, the comprehensive nature of the win saw Raducanu break her own personal record for the fewest games conceded in a completed main-draw match at a major. She had previously conceded just five games in a match on two occasions, but her dominant performance against the tricky and experienced Putintseva set a new benchmark for the British star.
A Commanding Performance from the Start
From the first ball, Raducanu looked a player transformed from the one who navigated a tricky first-round encounter. Her movement was fluid, her groundstrokes were struck with conviction and depth, and her serve was a consistent weapon. She broke Putintseva’s serve in the opening game, immediately seizing control and never looking back.
Putintseva, a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist known for her fiery demeanor and ability to disrupt rhythm, had no answers for Raducanu’s relentless aggression. Raducanu’s first-serve percentage was notably high, and she won a staggering 91% of points behind her first serve in the opening set, giving her opponent no opportunity to gain a foothold.
The key to Raducanu's success was her ability to dictate play from the center of the court and her improved physical conditioning, which allowed her to maintain a high intensity throughout. She explained her tactical approach after the match: "I knew I had to be aggressive and take the ball early. I didn't want to let her play her game."
Breaking Records and Building Momentum
The statistics from the match paint a picture of utter dominance. Raducanu hit 21 winners to just 12 unforced errors, a remarkably clean ratio. She broke Putintseva’s serve five times and saved the only break point she faced in the entire match. This level of performance against a player of Putintseva’s caliber is a significant statement of intent.
The victory is a monumental step for Raducanu, whose career has been hampered by a series of injuries and surgeries since her fairy-tale run in Flushing Meadows. Reaching the third round not only provides valuable ranking points but also a massive boost of confidence. "It feels great," she said in her on-court interview. "I'm just so happy to be back and playing well and enjoying the competition."
Her current run at the US Open has already been highlighted by several key improvements in her game:
- Serve: Consistently powerful and accurate.
- Return: Aggressive and deep, neutralizing opponents.
- Fitness: Appearing stronger and more durable in long rallies.
A Glimpse of the 2021 Champion's Form
For many watching, the performance was a stark reminder of the fearless tennis Raducanu played en route to the title in 2021. The flat, powerful backhand was a particular weapon, and her ability to step inside the baseline and take time away from Putintseva was reminiscent of her championship form.
Tennis pundits and fans were quick to note the significance of the performance. Former British number one Tim Henman, commentating for Sky Sports, remarked: "That was as good as I've seen Emma play in a long, long time. She was in complete control from start to finish."
The challenge now for Raducanu is to maintain this level. The nature of the WTA tour means consistency is the hardest commodity to find, but this victory proves she still possesses the game to compete with and defeat top players. Her coach, Nick Cavaday, was seen beaming in the player's box, a clear sign that their work on the practice court is paying dividends.
Looking Ahead: The Third Round Awaits
Raducanu's victory sets up a blockbuster third-round clash against No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. The powerful Russian presents a very different challenge, with a huge serve and flat groundstrokes that will test Raducanu’s defensive skills. However, based on her current form, Raducanu will undoubtedly enter that match with belief.
Alexandrova leads their head-to-head 1-0, having won a tight three-setter on clay in Stuttgart last year. But a hard court in New York is a different proposition entirely. Raducanu acknowledged the challenge ahead: "She's a great player, very aggressive. I'll have to be ready."
A win against Alexandrova would see Raducanu reach the second week of a major for the first time since her title win, a prospect that seemed distant just a few weeks ago. The draw has opened up slightly in her section, offering a potential path deeper into the tournament.
A Resurgent Raducanu Captivates Again
The story of Emma Raducanu has always been one of dramatic highs and challenging lows. Her latest performance at the US Open feels like the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. After years of battling physical setbacks and the immense weight of expectation, she is playing with a freedom and joy that was missing for some time.
She spoke post-match about her changed perspective: "I think I'm just appreciating the moment more. I've been through a lot, and I'm just grateful to be healthy and competing. I think that's when I play my best tennis."
As the New York crowd roared its approval following her match point, it was clear that the love affair between Emma Raducanu and the US Open is very much alive. She has once again proven that on this stage, she is capable of extraordinary things. The tennis world will be watching with bated breath to see just how far this resurgent version of the 2021 champion can go.