NEW YORK — Under the baking midday sun of a New York summer, Emma Raducanu returned to the scene of her most extraordinary triumph and delivered a performance of ruthless efficiency, sweeping aside Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-4 in her first-round match at the 2024 US Open.
This was Raducanu’s first victory at Flushing Meadows since her unprecedented run from qualifying to the title in 2021, a three-year wait marked by injury struggles and fluctuating form. Stepping onto the expansive Court 17, she looked every bit the champion of old, dispatching her opponent in a commanding 71 minutes and sending a clear message to the rest of the draw.
A Dominant Start and a Clear Intent
From the first ball, Raducanu’s intent was crystal clear. She broke Shibahara’s serve immediately, setting a tone of aggression and control. Her groundstrokes were crisp and deep, pinning the 202nd-ranked Shibahara behind the baseline and denying her any rhythm. The first set was a masterclass in precision, wrapped up in just 26 minutes.
Raducanu’s post-match assessment was characteristically focused and analytical. She highlighted the challenging conditions and her tactical approach, stating: "I think that it's important to just get a win, especially when you're not playing your best or feeling your best. I think that today I was very disciplined and focused."
Overcoming Adversity and a Blip in Focus
The second set presented a different challenge. After racing to a 4-0 lead, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Shibahara to find her range and claw back two games. It was a brief flicker of resistance, a test of Raducanu’s nerve that she ultimately passed. She regrouped, broke again for 5-2, and served out the match with a powerful forehand winner, her 25th of the match.
This ability to close out the match, despite the minor stumble, was a significant positive. Raducanu acknowledged the mental hurdle, noting: "It's never going to be perfect, especially in the first round. You're always going to have a little bit of a dip. I'm just happy that I managed to regain my focus and finish it off."
The Significance of the Victory
This win carries immense weight for the 21-year-old Briton. Beyond simply advancing to the second round, it represents:
- A Return to Form: A convincing display of the ball-striking ability that captivated the world in 2021.
- Physical Resilience: A testament to her recovery from multiple surgeries, proving she can compete at the highest level again.
- Mental Fortitude: Navigating the immense pressure and expectation that follows her every move at this tournament.
The statistics from the match underscore her dominance. Raducanu fired 25 winners to just 13 unforced errors, a remarkably clean ratio. She won an impressive 83% of points behind her first serve and converted 5 of her 11 break point opportunities, showcasing a clinical edge that has sometimes been missing in her recent comeback.
Looking Ahead: A Tougher Challenge Awaits
The path gets considerably tougher in the second round, where Raducanu is set to face fellow former world number one and two-time finalist Caroline Wozniacki. The Danish player, who returned to the tour last year after starting a family, presents a completely different challenge with her legendary defensive skills and relentless consistency.
Raducanu is already looking forward to the matchup, expressing respect for her upcoming opponent: "She's a great player. She's achieved so much in the sport. It's going to be a really tough match, but I'm excited for the challenge. I have nothing to lose."
The match is scheduled for Wednesday and is expected to be a featured night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, a marquee matchup that will undoubtedly capture the attention of the tennis world. It promises to be a fascinating contrast in styles: Raducanu’s aggressive, first-strike tennis against Wozniacki’s impenetrable wall of defense.
A Statement Made Under the New York Sun
For one afternoon on Court 17, the narrative shifted. The questions about pressure, expectation, and past injuries were replaced by the thumping sound of a forehand winner. Emma Raducanu didn't just win a first-round match; she announced her return to the grand stage with authority and a steely resolve that suggests she is far from just a nostalgic story from 2021. As she succinctly put it when discussing her early start time, "You don't want to be out by Sunday lunchtime." On this Sunday, she made sure she was the one doing the dining out.