British Star Emma Raducanu Eases Past Shibahara in Straight Sets, Eyes Return to Form
Emma Raducanu has broken her US Open drought with a commanding straight-sets victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara, marking a promising start at the tournament she calls her “happy place.”
Until this match, the British star had not won at Flushing Meadows since her stunning 2021 title win, but she showcased some of her best tennis yet, climbing back toward the world’s top 30 with consistent results and injury-free health. “Of course, I’m very, very pleased,” Raducanu said, noting the extra significance of triumphing in New York again.
On a breezy morning at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu dominated early, leading by a set and two breaks at 3-0 in the second within 40 minutes. With new coach Francisco Roig—formerly of Rafael Nadal’s team—offering constant encouragement from the sidelines, her groundstrokes overwhelmed Shibahara, ranked 128th, who had won three qualifying matches without dropping a set. “Vamos!
You’re doing very good,” Roig cheered, boosting Raducanu’s focus as she faced just one break point, saving it, and limited unforced errors to six compared to Shibahara’s 36.
As the only player to win a Grand Slam via qualifying, Raducanu knows the value of momentum, though post-2021 injuries and a first-round exit in 2022 as defending champion derailed her. Now healthy, she managed her game expertly, crediting practice court progress.
Despite her early success, challenges loom with injuries to stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, but Raducanu’s performance signals a potential resurgence at the US Open.
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