The New York air seems to bring out the best in Emma Raducanu. Tapping into the magic of her 2021 run, the British player looked completely in her element as she sailed into the third round of the US Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over qualifier Janice Tjen. It was a performance that showed she has firmly rediscovered her winning formula.
Two matches into her campaign, Raducanu has cast aside the tension and nerves that marked her previous appearances here. In their place is a calm, focused aggression that is translating into dominant victories. Against Tjen, she was relentless from start to finish, her game flowing freely. The serve was potent, the groundstrokes were clean, and her movement was sharp, all signs of a player back in their groove.
While the win looked easy on paper, it came against an opponent who had been tearing up the lower-level circuits. Janice Tjen, with her impressive win-loss record and unique playing style, was a potential threat. However, Raducanu’s superior level and experience on the big stage shone through as she expertly controlled the pace of the match and never gave Tjen a chance to gain a foothold.
This rediscovered form is a product of hard work and a clear strategic shift towards a more offensive game. Raducanu has emphasized her desire to control her own destiny in matches, and these first two rounds have been a perfect execution of that philosophy. As she moves forward, the challenge will be to maintain this high level against the tour’s elite, starting with her next opponent in the third round.