Emma Raducanu Exits US Open in First Round Against Sofia Kenin
In a surprising turn of events at the US Open on Tuesday night in New York, Emma Raducanu was eliminated in the opening round by fellow former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin.
Raducanu, who made headlines three years ago by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, has struggled to regain her former brilliance. Kenin secured victory with a score of 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, in front of a limited audience at the Grandstand.
Kenin stormed through the first set, winning six consecutive games before Raducanu raised her game in the second set. Despite missing three break points earlier in the match, Raducanu capitalized on an opportunity early in the second set by breaking Kenin’s serve. Although Kenin quickly responded by breaking back, a pivotal moment at 2-2 changed the match’s momentum when Raducanu executed a stunning backhand winner. This shift allowed her to reclaim the lead and secure the second set.
However, Raducanu’s momentum waned in the deciding set, and a double fault led to her being broken in the fifth game. Kenin took full advantage of the situation, closing out the match decisively. The defeat leaves Raducanu and fans questioning the trajectory of her career, especially after her decision to skip the Olympics in preparation for the US Open.
In other matches, Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenge from Australian qualifier Li Tu but ultimately won 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The reigning US Open champion displayed resilience, extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 15 matches despite an ankle injury incurred during practice.
Alcaraz expressed his surprise at Tu’s performance, stating that while Tu started nervously, he quickly found his rhythm. The young star is set to face 2021 quarter-finalist Botic van de Zandschulp in his next match.
As the tournament progresses, both Raducanu and Alcaraz remain key figures in the narrative of this year’s US Open, with fans eagerly anticipating their next steps on the court.
