NEW YORK — Emma Raducanu has finally broken her winless streak at the U.S. Open, clinching her first victory in the Grand Slam since her stunning 2021 title win as an 18-year-old qualifier. On Sunday, she triumphed over Ena Shibahara with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 finish in just 62 minutes.
“I’m truly over the moon,” Raducanu expressed, reflecting on the significance of this victory after a prolonged absence from winning in New York. “It feels incredibly special.”
Since her remarkable championship four years ago, which still stands as her sole tour-level title, Raducanu faced a series of setbacks, exiting in the first round of Flushing Meadows in 2022, missing the 2023 tournament due to surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, and again falling in her opening match last year.
“First rounds can be quite the challenge, particularly at a Grand Slam,” Raducanu acknowledged Sunday, noting the inevitable nerves that accompany such high-stakes matches.
Now at 22, Raducanu is enjoying a resurgence this season, showcasing commendable performances even in tough losses against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Her ranking has soared from outside the top 70 to No. 36 this week, just missing the seedings at the U.S. Open.
On a mild and breezy morning, Raducanu came out swinging in the first match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, quickly establishing a commanding lead of a set and two breaks at 3-0 in the second within just 40 minutes.
With her new coach, Francisco Roig—who has extensive experience working with the legendary Rafael Nadal—encouraging her from the sidelines, Raducanu’s powerful groundstrokes consistently pressured Shibahara, a Japanese qualifier ranked 128th.
“Vamos!” Roig cheered at one point. “You’re doing fantastic.”
Having entered the main draw without dropping a set in her three qualifying matches, Shibahara had built impressive momentum. Raducanu knows well how crucial that can be, as she is the only player to claim a Grand Slam after navigating through qualifying rounds.
However, since that pivotal victory, Raducanu’s journey has faced several hurdles. In 2022, she became just the third reigning women’s champion in the professional era to depart in the first round the following year, joining the ranks of Svetlana Kuznetsova and Angelique Kerber.
Then came a series of injury challenges.
Now healthy, Raducanu demonstrated her capabilities against an overwhelmed opponent.
She faced just one break point—and saved it.
Raducanu made only six unforced errors, while Shibahara finished with a staggering 36.
“I managed my game effectively during that match,” Raducanu reflected. “I can see the progress I’m making in practice.”
