NEW YORK — Emma Raducanu navigated a potentially tricky second-round encounter with the clinical precision of a seasoned champion, dispatching Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-3 to book her place in the US Open third round.
The 2021 Flushing Meadows champion, whose fairytale run here three years ago remains the stuff of legend, showcased a renewed sense of purpose and a steely resolve on a sun-drenched Louis Armstrong Stadium court.
Her performance, coupled with compatriot Cameron Norrie's four-set victory over his Danish opponent Holger Rune, marks a significant moment for British tennis, with two of its brightest stars advancing in synchrony.
A Clinical Dismantling
Facing a player ranked 250th in the world and making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, the match had all the makings of a classic "banana skin" for the 21-year-old Briton. Tjen, riding a wave of confidence from qualifying, had nothing to lose.
Yet, Raducanu snuffed out any chance of an upset early and authoritatively. She broke Tjen’s serve in the opening game, setting a dominant tone. Her groundstrokes were crisp and deep, her movement fluid, and her tactical plan—to attack the Tjen second serve and control the center of the court—was executed flawlessly.
The first set was a masterclass in efficiency, wrapped up in just 33 minutes. Raducanu’s key strengths were on full display:
- Return of Serve: She consistently stepped inside the baseline to attack Tjen’s serves, winning 52% of return points.
- Forehand Power: Her cross-court forehand was a particular weapon, repeatedly opening up the court.
- Mental Fortitude: She saved all three break points she faced, a stark contrast to past matches where service breaks have flowed more freely.
Embracing the Weight of Expectation
In her post-match press conference, Raducanu spoke with a maturity that belied her years, reflecting on her evolving relationship with the intense scrutiny that has followed her since her 2021 triumph.
She stated, "I think I'm starting to realize that actually, instead of running away from it, I'm just embracing the fact that people are going to want to watch me play and expect a lot from me. I'm just embracing it and thinking, 'Why not me?'"
This shift in mindset appears to be a cornerstone of her recent resurgence. After a turbulent period marred by injuries and coaching changes, Raducanu seems to be rediscovering the fearless tennis that defined her historic run.
She added, "I think that I'm playing a lot freer. I feel like I'm swinging. I'm not as worried about the outcome. I'm just enjoying competing and embracing the challenge."
Norrie's Gritty Victory
On the adjacent courts, British number one Cameron Norrie was engaged in a brutal battle of attrition against the fiery young Dane, Holger Rune. In a match that stretched over three hours, Norrie’s trademark resilience and physicality were the difference.
After splitting the first two sets, Norrie dug deep to clinch a tense third-set tiebreak before running away with the fourth set 6-1. His left-handed forehand, a heavy, topspin-heavy shot, consistently pushed Rune behind the baseline and negated the Dane’s aggressive style.
Norrie’s victory, a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 triumph, sets up a fascinating third-round clash. He will face Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who stunned last year’s finalist, Andrey Rublev, in a major upset earlier in the day.
Looking Ahead to the Third Round
For Raducanu, the path forward presents another intriguing challenge. She will face Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari, a player she memorably defeated in a dramatic semi-final here in 2021. That match, a grueling three-setter, was a defining moment in her championship journey.
The upcoming rematch is laden with narrative. Sakkari, a consistent top-10 player, will be seeking redemption, while Raducanu will be looking to prove that her victory was no fluke and that she belongs back at the top of the game.
Raducanu acknowledged the challenge, saying, "She's a great player. She's had great results consistently over the last few years. It's going to be an extremely difficult match. I'm going to have to play like I did today and probably even better."
A Statement of Intent
This US Open is already shaping up to be a pivotal tournament for Emma Raducanu. Her first-round win over former world number two Bianca Andreescu was a statement of intent. This second-round demolition confirms that she is building momentum and, more importantly, confidence.
The signs are positive. Her body appears to be holding up under the physical demands of the tour. Her game is sharp, and perhaps most crucially, her mind seems clear and focused. She is no longer the wide-eyed qualifier; she is a Grand Slam champion learning to shoulder the expectation that comes with that title.
As she moves deeper into the draw, each match becomes a greater test. But by embracing the pressure rather than shrinking from it, Raducanu is demonstrating the champion’s mentality that first captivated the world three years ago. The tennis world watches with bated breath to see how far this embrace will take her.
For British tennis fans, having both Raducanu and Norrie flying the flag in the third round provides a thrilling narrative. While their paths are different—one a resurgent former champion, the other a consistent workhorse—their simultaneous success signals a bright period for the sport in the UK.
The third round awaits, and for Emma Raducanu, it represents another opportunity to show the world that she is not just a memory from 2021, but a force to be reckoned with in the present day.