US Open 2025 results: Emma Raducanu beats Ena Shibahara to earn first New York win since 2021 title triumph
In the last four years, when a series of injuries are combined with the mental burden of such crazy attention, it means that Raducanu considers the US as a “happy place”.
Since he arrived in New York last weekend, Raducanu cut a cheerful figure during his trip next to Carlos Alcaraz at the renewed mixed couples event.
Feeling more comfortable and carefree in court is how he feels that he can fulfill his potential in the best way.
This struggled around the Louis Armstrong Stadium, and clearly settled in the simple victory over the 130th Shibahara.
Opening the match with a wide Fizzing was a strong expression of intention from Raducanu and threw a platform for a dominant opening set in 26 minutes.
While moving well and hitting minimum unlocked errors, the opponent was helpful with a lack of quality.
Shibahara, who played only in the second Grand Slam Main Lottery, lost four of the seven breaks he encountered and hit 36 forced mistakes while the base line game broke down.
On the other hand, he barely suffered from the threatening service of the radio and played clean behind the court.
In the second round, Raducanu will encounter Indonesia qualifying Janie Tena or Russian 24th Seed Veronika Kudermetova.
