Emma Raducanu issued a powerful statement of intent at the US Open, brushing aside the talented qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 to march into the third round. This was more than just a win; it was a declaration that she is back to playing her best tennis and has serious ambitions in the tournament where she first made her name.
From the opening game, Raducanu played with an authority that has been her hallmark during her best periods. She was the aggressor in every rally, stepping on the baseline and taking the ball early to rush Tjen, who has little experience competing against such high-level pace. The British player’s serve was particularly devastating, setting the tone and allowing the rest of her game to flourish.
This dominant performance came against an opponent who was far from a simple draw. Janice Tjen, the first Indonesian to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in 22 years, arrived with a formidable record and a game that had already flummoxed a seeded player. Raducanu’s ability to dismantle such an in-form opponent so comprehensively speaks volumes about her current level and mindset.
After dispatching two qualifiers with ease, Raducanu has laid a solid foundation for her US Open campaign. She acknowledged her satisfaction with her ability to dictate play and is clearly brimming with confidence. The path gets tougher from here, with a potential clash against a Grand Slam champion in the next round, but Raducanu has sent a clear signal that she is ready for the fight.