Emma Raducanu returns to Flushing Meadows this afternoon as the opening act of the 2025 US Open, taking on world number 130 Ena Shibahara at 4pm in her first attempt at victory in New York since her remarkable championship run four years ago.
The 22-year-old British number one enters the tournament with renewed optimism, having climbed back to 35th in the world rankings after plummeting beyond 300th following an injury-riddled period.
"Playing first match, first day, the very start of the tournament I'm looking forward to it," Raducanu said.
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Emma Raducanu is in a confident mood ahead of her opening match at the US Open this year
|REUTERS
Her ascent back up the rankings has been bolstered by the recent addition of Francisco Roig to her coaching team, the experienced Spaniard who previously worked alongside Rafael Nadal.
"I think we get on really well. I think we fit great," Raducanu said of her new partnership.
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"He is obviously so experienced and we've been doing a lot of hours on the practice court, which I think has been helping me."
The appointment marks a significant shift for Raducanu, who has worked with multiple coaches since her 2021 breakthrough and spent time without a permanent mentor.
"We both like spending time on the court, which is also a good thing, but also he knows when to have fun, when to switch off, and that's important," she added.
Her preparation has included testing herself against elite competition, with particularly encouraging displays against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
At Cincinnati last week, Raducanu pushed the Belarusian to a final-set tiebreak, building on a competitive third-round encounter at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
"I definitely got closer the last time we played in Cincinnati," Raducanu said.
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Emma Raducanu can take confidence after her Cincinnati Open performance where she pushed world number one Aryna Sabalenka all the way
|REUTERS
"I think it's really helped playing the No 1 player in the world and pushing her, so it gives me confidence."
Despite narrowly missing out on seeding by a single ranking position, she remains philosophical about potential matchups, noting that even seeded players can face top opponents early in tournaments.
Looking ahead, Raducanu acknowledges her path forward requires patience and persistence.
"I'm ready. I've been practising well, and I think regardless of the result, I know that overall, I'm doing the right things more and more day to day," she said.
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Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz were beaten by Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula earlier this week in the mixed doubles competition
|REUTERS
The former champion recognises she has evolved significantly from the carefree teenager who captured the 2021 title.
"That Emma didn't really go through anything," she reflected on her younger self, acknowledging the "real negativity" she has since experienced.
"So now I don't think I'll ever go back to that exact state of mind, but I think I'm honestly feeling pretty close in the sense of just coming into this tournament relaxed but enthusiastic and excited to get started."