Emma Raducanu is showcasing a formidable return to the form that once made her a champion at Flushing Meadows. The British No. 1 delivered a stunningly one-sided performance to advance to the third round of the US Open, demonstrating power, precision, and a renewed sense of confidence that has been absent for too long. This victory marks her second consecutive win, building on a powerful start to her campaign.
In a clinical display on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu dismantled the promising qualifier Janice Tjen with a score of 6-2, 6-1. The match was a masterclass in aggressive tennis, spearheaded by a dominant serving performance. Raducanu consistently found her spots, winning 84% of her first-serve points in the opening set and firing off aces that kept Tjen on the back foot, unable to establish any rhythm.
The challenge presented by Tjen was not insignificant. The 23-year-old Indonesian, who turned professional just last year after a successful college career, entered the match with a staggering 95-10 record over the past 15 months and had just ousted the 24th seed. Raducanu acknowledged the danger, stating she was “on full alert” against an opponent whose crafty, Ash Barty-esque style could punish any loose shots.
This assertive victory signals that Raducanu is no longer just competing but is actively dictating matches on her own terms, a key goal she has been working towards. After two convincing wins against qualifiers, the competition will steepen significantly. She now awaits the winner of the match between the ninth seed Elena Rybakina and Tereza Valentova, a contest that will serve as a true benchmark for her resurgence.