MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Sofia Kenin goes from hero to zero and back to hero to overcome a battling Emma Raducanu

Sofia Kenin outlasted Emma Raducanu to advance to the second round of the US Open. The former Australian Open champion, who came into the tournament with a 2-11 record on hard courts this season, managed to defeat the 2021 champion 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

In the first set, Kenin (No. 54) capitalized on Raducanu’s (No. 72) second serves, playing more aggressively than her opponent. The American won 85% of Raducanu's second-serve points. After both players held their first service games, the former Australian Open champion secured three consecutive breaks to take the first set 6-1.

Kenin excelled under pressure, delivering strong service numbers with a 69% first serve percentage and winning 67% of those points. The American hit 15 winners against 11 unforced errors and consistently disrupted Raducanu’s rhythm, avoiding long rallies.

The second set began with an early break in favor of Raducanu, though Kenin quickly leveled the score. However, the American started to struggle with her serve, while the Briton raised her game. Kenin’s 16 unforced errors in the set were crucial, allowing Raducanu to secure two consecutive breaks and win the set 6-3.

In the decisive third set, both players improved their serving effectiveness. Raducanu had a 62% first serve rate, winning 81% of those points, while Kenin achieved a 76% first serve rate, winning 71% of her points. Despite the closely contested set, Kenin’s greater aggression paid off, and a single break in the fifth game was enough for her to clinch the victory 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

In the second round, Kenin will face the winner of the match between Jessica Pegula and Shelby Rogers, who is playing her final tournament as a professional and will close out the day at Arthur Ashe Stadium.