US Open 2025: Emma Raducanu dispatches qualifier Janice Tjen to ease into third round
• 2 MINUTE READ
Emma Raducanu became the first British tennis player to reach the third round at the US Open after pulling off another statement victory over Janice Tjen.
Raducanu needed exactly 60 minutes to overcome Tjen - who had stunned 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the previous round - 6-2, 6-1 on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Today’s win not only saw Raducanu book her spot in the third round for the first time since her historic run to the title in 2021, but also marked her fastest ever Grand Slam win.
In the next round, she could be set to face former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a blockbuster match-up should the Kazakh get past Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova.
“I’m very pleased with how I played today," Raducanu smiled in her on-court interview. "Playing second round after two days (off) it kind of breaks the rhythm a little bit and I was playing Janice, a super dangerous opponent.
"She was playing extremely well - any ball I put mid-court that wasn’t necessarily good enough she just put away easily.
"I’m really pleased with how I performed today and it was so good to play in front of all of you guys on Armstrong so thank you so much."
Raducanu made another electric start on her return to Louis Armstrong Stadium as she immediately broke Tjen to 30.
The British No.1 was forced to soak up some pressure of her own as the qualifier raced ahead to 40-15 in the following game, but Raducanu staved off three break points of her own to hold for a 3-0 lead.
The former US Open champion has been working hard to improve her serve over the last few months and today it proved to be her most dangerous weapon.
The 22-year-old hit eight aces, landed 79% of her first serves and won 76% of points (28/37) behind it across the match to put Tjen on the backfoot.
Raducanu continued to turn up the instensity as the match went on and quickly brought up two set points at 5-2 before dealing a final forehand blow to seal the opener in just 30 minutes.
Looking completely dialled in, there was just no breaking the Brit’s rhythm and focus, as she kick-started the second set by reeling off the opening five games on the bounce.
The world No.149 managed to etch a game on the board to temporarily pause Raducanu's flow, but the 22-year-old had no problems closing out the match as she slammed a fiery serve down which Tjen returned into the net.
Still to come today in New York, Cam Norrie will bid to join Raducanu in the third round as he prepares to take on Francisco Comesana.
