Emma Raducanu’s struggles at the US Open continued as the 2021 champion was eliminated in the first round by Sofia Kenin, marking her third consecutive early exit from the tournament.
In a disappointing start to her US Open campaign, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion, was ousted in the first round by American Sofia Kenin, losing 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Despite a spirited fightback in the second set, Raducanu struggled to find consistency, ultimately succumbing to Kenin’s aggressive play. Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner, delivered an impressive performance, firing six aces and 45 winners to secure her place in the next round, where she will face fellow American Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu’s loss highlights her ongoing struggle to replicate the success of her remarkable run in New York three years ago, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam. The 21-year-old Brit has faced challenges since that historic victory, including injuries and a lack of match rhythm.
Skipping key tune-up events in Toronto and Cincinnati, Raducanu took a different approach to preparing for this year’s US Open, which appeared to backfire as she failed to find her footing in the crucial moments. After a sluggish start, Raducanu rallied to win the second set but ran out of steam in the decider, dropping her serve at a critical juncture before Kenin closed out the match.
Raducanu’s struggles at Flushing Meadows continue, as she has not won a match at the tournament since her 2021 triumph. Despite showing promise with a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon earlier this year, Raducanu’s early exit from the US Open marks another setback in her bid to return to the top of women’s tennis.
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