There’s something about the hard courts of Flushing Meadows that brings out the magic in Emma Raducanu. The 2021 champion looked every bit the part once again as she delivered a sublime performance to rout qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 and advance confidently to the third round of the US Open.
Playing with the kind of freedom and power that defined her incredible title run, Raducanu put on a show for the crowd on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Her game was firing on all cylinders, but it was her serve that truly set her apart. Winning a high percentage of her first-serve points, she built a foundation of pressure that Tjen was simply unable to withstand.
Raducanu faced a tricky opponent in Tjen, an Indonesian player with a deceptive ranking and a style that has been compared to the great Ash Barty. Tjen’s recent form made her a credible threat, but she was given no time to settle as Raducanu took control from the outset, striking the ball cleanly and early to dominate the rallies.
This victory is another significant step forward in Raducanu’s journey back to the top of the game. She has expressed her desire to play more matches on her own terms, and this performance was a perfect example of that philosophy in action. Now, with her confidence soaring, she prepares for the next round, where the competition will intensify and provide a true measure of her rekindled Flushing Meadows magic.