Emma Raducanu began her 2025 US Open campaign on a winning note, easing past Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour on Sunday to book her place in the second round.
The victory marks Raducanu’s first win at Flushing Meadows since her historic 2021 triumph, when she lifted the title as an 18-year-old.
The British No. 1 raced to a commanding 5-0 lead in the opening set and never looked back. Although Shibahara threatened a brief comeback with a break point at 4-2 in the second set, Raducanu held firm and closed out the contest to love.
Speaking after the match, Raducanu expressed her delight at returning to winning ways in New York.
“I’m very pleased with that performance. It’s my first win here since 2021, so I’m just really happy with how I managed myself and my game,” she said. “I’ve got amazing people in my corner, and every day of work feels more enjoyable because I can see the progress I’m making.”
Elsewhere, American stars Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz advanced to the second round with straight-sets victories. Shelton defeated Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Fritz overcame Emilio Nava 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.
Raducanu, who remains Britain’s top-ranked female player, continues her bid to reclaim the form that made her the first British woman since Virginia Wade in 1977 to win a Grand Slam singles title.
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