"I’m really pleased to have got through it" - Emma Raducanu relieved to taste success in New York after having elongated drought in the back of her head

Emma Raducanu successfully halted her US Open victory drought, after the 2021 champion thrashed Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the second round. This was her first win at Flushing Meadows since overcoming Leylah Fernandez in the final four years ago.

She got out to a dominant start in both sets, going 5-0 and 4-0 up, respectively, before controlling it until the end. She only encountered one break point in the match. This victory seals her spot in the second round of the US Open, and up a tie against another qualifier, this time in the form of Janice Tjen, who defeated 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova earlier today. She discussed the jubilant trouncing in her US Open press conference.

Despite revealing she had nerves before the tie, she concealed them well throughout. After her win, she said: "I think first rounds are always tough. I definitely had a bit of nerves, and I really wanted to win here. I’m really pleased to have got through it. Ena had played three matches already in these conditions after qualifying, so she was used to it. I’m really happy with how I handled that.

"I was nervous this morning, especially playing first. There’s not much time—everything’s a rush. But after I showered and put on my match kit, I felt a shift and locked in. Getting that first game was big—it helped me relax a lot, especially serving first."

Four years is excruciatingly long for a tennis player, and as every year passed without a win, the burden increased on Raducanu's back when returning to Flushing Meadows. With that monkey now off her back, she is ready to push on.

"It's been four years, and this tournament is really special for me," Raducanu said. "I felt different coming into it this year—like I was doing the right things day to day—but it’s still in the back of your head. I’m just very pleased to have overcome that."

From her most recent triumph to her first, she reminisced prior to her first round win over Swiss tennis player Stephanie Vogele. "I actually played her on Court 17, Stephanie Vogele," she said. "Closing it out was tough—a long game to serve it out, some cool hot shots. I got broken early in both sets, then broke back. I was playing well that summer but still nervous. That win was huge after a good Wimbledon in 2021—great memories."

She kicked off proceedings at Louis Armstrong Stadium and was not disappointed with the support she received from the eager onlookers. "I love the crowd. I played on Armstrong today, and they were great. New York is always different—very busy, lots going on, traffic, long commutes. But I love the buzz and how into it the crowd gets. It’s very different from Wimbledon, but that’s what makes each Slam so special.

"Definitely [be more expressive]. You can get the crowd involved. Some American players do that so well. Today I was very calm, but I know the crowd loves it when you’re pumped and celebrating."

It is certainly different from her previous experience qualifying for the tournament. Few onlookers watched by, but one security guard did, who the 22-year-old she still has an excellent relationship with to this day. "It was definitely strange looking back, but at the time it felt normal," she said. "I hadn’t played big matches yet, I was just on the Brit Tour before that. There weren’t many spectators anyway. I remember a security guard from that week who’s still working here—we have a good relationship, and seeing him is special."

The pandemonium does have its setbacks, with Raducanu at times unable to hear the advice her coach, Francisco Roig, was trying to dispense. When asked how much she hears on court, the Brit said: "Honestly, not much. It’s really hard to hear during matches unless you're lip-reading or very close. If I really need it, I’ll look over and understand. But today I felt like I had things under control and wanted to stay in my zone."

While on the topic of her new coach, she lauded the Spaniard after a positive start to their partnership, stating that it was her biggest milestone since she claimed the title. "I think trusting the process with Francisco has been key. We’re doing the right stuff on the practice court, and I’m improving. I’m gaining confidence from my day-to-day work, not just from match wins. I’m enjoying getting better and being satisfied with small improvements every day."