Emma Raducanu Advances to Second Round of 2025 US Open with Straight-Sets Victory

Emma Raducanu won at Flushing Meadows on Sunday. She beat Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in the first round of the 2025 US Open. This victory takes her to the second round for the first time since her 2021 win in New York.

Raducanu, the 2021 champion and Britain’s current No. 1, dominated from the outset, racing to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before closing it out 6-1. She kept control in the second set. She converted four of seven break points and hit two aces, not giving up a break.

This is Raducanu’s first main-draw win at the US Open in 1,442 days. She celebrated it as proof of her better health and fitness this season. She won 82% of points on her first serve and 67% on her second. She had only six unforced errors, while Shibahara had 34.

After the match, Raducanu reflected on her journey. She was frustrated to miss a seeded spot this year. Still, she felt good about her form and preparation. ““Everything happens for a reason,” she said. She noted that her recent matches, especially two three-set battles against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, have boosted her self-belief.

Raducanu will play either Greet Minnen from Belgium or Peyton Stearns, a wildcard. She aims to keep her momentum going as she seeks a second US Open title.