Can Raducanu Maintain Her Dominance in the Third Round After a 60-Minute Victory?

Emma Raducanu has made a strong start in the 2025 US Open, defeating Janice Tjen in a commanding performance to reach the third round. The 2021 US Open champion showcased her skills with a decisive 6-2, 6-1 victory, demonstrating her potential as she aims to regain her former glory.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Raducanu's Match

• Raducanu defeated Janice Tjen in the second round with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
• She served eight aces and won 76% of her first-serve points.
• Raducanu is currently ranked 34th, just outside the seeded players.
• She faced some back discomfort during the match but managed to maintain her performance.
• Her next opponent could be ninth seed Elena Rybakina.

Emma Raducanu's Path to the Third Round

In her second-round match at the US Open 2025, Emma Raducanu faced Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, a player making her debut at this level. With the stakes high, Raducanu approached the match with determination, displaying an impressive level of confidence and skill. The match lasted just one hour, during which Raducanu's strong serving and deep groundstrokes set the tone early on.

Match Highlights

Raducanu's performance was marked by several key statistics that underscored her dominance on the court:

• She hit eight aces, showcasing her serving prowess.
• Raducanu landed 79% of her first serves, a critical factor in her victory.
• She won 76% of the points on her first serve, putting Tjen on the defensive from the outset.

Addressing Challenges

Despite the convincing scoreline, Raducanu experienced a moment of concern when she appeared to struggle with a back niggle in the second set. However, she quickly regained composure, demonstrating her resilience and ability to navigate challenges on the court. "I'm very pleased with how I played," Raducanu commented after the match, highlighting her focus and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Understanding Janice Tjen's Game

Janice Tjen, competing in her first Tour-level event, had already made waves by defeating 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the opening round. Tjen's style has drawn comparisons to former world number one Ashleigh Barty, known for her crafty play. However, Raducanu's tactical approach prevented Tjen from settling into her rhythm, showcasing Raducanu's strategic prowess.

What Tjen Brought to the Match

Tjen, a 23-year-old who turned professional just last year after completing a sociology degree in the United States, has made significant strides in her career. With 13 titles won on the ITF World Tennis Tour, her journey is one to watch. Despite her potential, Raducanu’s power and precision kept Tjen at bay, limiting her opportunities to exploit her slice and variety.

Raducanu's Focus on Improvement

Under new coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu is keen to enhance her serve as a weapon. The effectiveness of her serving against Tjen indicates that her training is paying off. As she prepares for tougher opponents, including the potential match-up against ninth seed Elena Rybakina, Raducanu’s continued development will be crucial.

Next Steps in the Tournament

Raducanu's victory places her in a strong position as she looks towards the third round. Facing Rybakina, who is known for her powerful game, will certainly test Raducanu's skills and mental fortitude. Rybakina is set to compete against Czech player Tereza Valentova later in the day, and both players will be keen to secure their place in the next round.

The Significance of Raducanu's Performance

Raducanu’s journey in the US Open signifies more than just her individual matches. It represents a broader narrative of resilience, growth, and the challenges faced by athletes in the upper echelons of competitive tennis. As Raducanu continues her campaign, her performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, keen to see if she can replicate her previous triumph.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be crucial for Raducanu, not only in terms of results but also in her quest to refine her game. With each match, she has the opportunity to learn and improve, which could be pivotal as she aims to re-establish herself among the elite in women’s tennis.

As the tournament progresses, Raducanu’s ability to handle the pressure and maintain her form will be key to her success. The excitement surrounding her matches reflects the anticipation of what she can achieve, making her one of the players to watch as the US Open unfolds.

FAQs

What is Emma Raducanu's current ranking?

As of now, Emma Raducanu is ranked 34th in the WTA rankings, just outside the seeded players for the US Open.

Who did Raducanu defeat in the second round of the US Open?

Emma Raducanu defeated Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen with a score of 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of the US Open 2025.

What challenges did Raducanu face during her match?

Raducanu experienced some discomfort from a back niggle during the second set but managed to maintain her performance and secure the victory.

What can we expect from Raducanu in her next match?

In her next match, Raducanu could face ninth seed Elena Rybakina, who poses a significant challenge with her powerful game.

How has Raducanu's training influenced her game?

Under new coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu has focused on improving her serve, which was notably effective in her recent match against Tjen.