The tension and nerves that followed Emma Raducanu back to Flushing Meadows have evaporated, replaced by the triumphant roar of the crowd and the confidence of a champion. The British No. 1 is thriving under the New York lights, securing her second consecutive win with a masterful 6-2, 6-1 takedown of qualifier Janice Tjen to reach the third round.
Four years after her historic win as a qualifier, Raducanu is showing that she has matured into a formidable main-draw player. She approached the match against the in-form Tjen with the perfect blend of respect and aggression. Acknowledging her opponent’s danger, Raducanu came out firing, using a powerful serve and clean groundstrokes to establish immediate control and never look back.
The challenge from Janice Tjen was real. The Indonesian player, a recent pro with a stunning win-loss record, had already proven her mettle by knocking out a seed. Her unorthodox style, featuring a wicked slice, had the potential to cause problems. But Raducanu was prepared, using her pace to pin Tjen back and prevent her from working her magic.
This win is more than just a step into the next round; it’s a confirmation that Raducanu is mentally and physically back to her best. She is playing proactive, dominant tennis and looks comfortable on the big stage once again. As she prepares for a tougher opponent in the third round, Raducanu is proving that her journey from tension to triumph is well and truly underway.