This was more than just a victory; it was a resurrection of belief. Emma Raducanu played with the heart of a champion as she booked her place in the US Open’s third round, her 6-2, 6-1 win over Janice Tjen radiating a confidence and joy that has been years in the making.
The fearless shot-making and raw power were evident, but the true story was her unshakeable composure. From the first point, Raducanu carried herself with an unyielding self-assurance that seemed to say, “I belong here.” This was the mindset that won her the title in 2021, a mental fortitude that allowed her to execute her game with stunning clarity and purpose.
Facing an opponent in red-hot form, Raducanu never wavered. She embraced the pressure of the moment, turning a potentially tricky encounter into a statement of intent. She wasn’t just winning points; she was reclaiming her identity as a Grand Slam champion on the very grounds where she first earned it.
This New York renaissance appears to be built on a rediscovered love for the fight. With her self-belief fully restored, Raducanu is not just a dangerous player in the draw; she is once again a true contender, ready to turn the echoes of the past into the triumphs of the present.