“I didn’t know that!” – Raducanu reacts to record-setting victory

Overview

• Emma Raducanu kicked off her US Open 2025 campaign in style with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Japan’s Ena Shibahara.

• She needed just an hour and two minutes to seal the victory.

• It was her fastest Grand Slam win.

Emma Raducanu kicked off her US Open 2025 campaign in style with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Japan’s Ena Shibahara. She needed just an hour and two minutes to seal the victory, making it her fastest Grand Slam win.

After the match, Raducanu joined Sky Sports for an interview where she was told about her new record. She was visibly surprised, saying: "I didn't know that!"

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The US Open has been a difficult tournament for her in recent years. This was her first win at Flushing Meadows since her historic run in 2021, as she suffered first-round exits in both the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Reflecting on her performance, Raducanu said: “Of course I'm very, very pleased to have won that match. It's my first win here since 2021, so it's extra special. First rounds are always difficult and especially at a slam. I'm just so happy with the way I came through that... I see the progress that I'm making on the practice court and it might not come straight away, but I know over time I'm just racking up good days building and I feel like it has to go somewhere."

"I'm pleased" - Raducanu

Speaking to BBC Sport, she added that the scheduling also played on her mind. "When I saw the Sunday schedule, I thought first day, first match at 11am - you don't want to be out of the tournament by 12:30pm on a Sunday. That definitely was on my mind. At the same time, if it goes well you get the afternoon off, which is really nice before your day off in between matches. I'm pleased I can enjoy the rest of my day and celebrate the win," she said.

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With this victory, Raducanu advances to the second round where she will face world No.149 Janice Tjen.