Raducanu said her 6-1 6-2 win over Ena Shibahara was “extra special” because of the long wait to record another victory at the US Open since her 2021 title. Raducanu required just 62 minutes to dismiss Shibahara and reach the second round.

Four years ago, Emma Raducanu shocked the tennis world when she won the U.S. Open as an 18-year-old qualifier. But nearly as staggering had been Raducanu’s lack of success at Flushing Meadows since then.

Raducanu began her US Open campaign with an impressive 6-1 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara. Before the victory, the British number one had now won a match at Flushing Meadows since her memorable US Open triumph in 2021.