Emma Raducanu Exits US Open After Dramatic First-Round Loss to Sofia Kenin

Emma Raducanu's quest for a triumphant return to the US Open ended in disappointment as she fell in a gripping first-round encounter to fellow Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin. The match, which saw both players display moments of brilliance and vulnerability, culminated in a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory for Kenin, leaving Raducanu still searching for her first win at Flushing Meadows since her fairy-tale title run in 2021.

The British star, who stunned the tennis world by capturing the US Open title as a teenage qualifier, has since faced a series of challenges, including injuries and surgeries that sidelined her from last year's tournament. Her much-anticipated return to the New York courts, however, did not go as planned against the resurgent Kenin.

Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, has also struggled with form in recent years, but she found her stride early in the match, putting Raducanu’s serve under constant pressure. After fending off two break points in the opening game, Raducanu was unable to sustain her momentum, with Kenin reeling off five consecutive games to dominate the first set 6-1.

Raducanu, however, demonstrated her fighting spirit in the second set, breaking Kenin early with a series of powerful forehand winners. Although Kenin quickly leveled at 1-1, the British number two grew more confident, exploiting her opponent's mounting frustrations. Raducanu broke again for a 3-2 lead and later clinched the set 6-3, forcing a decider and igniting hopes of a comeback.

The third set proved to be a tense affair, with both players battling nerves and trading blows. Raducanu made a strong start, while Kenin’s unforced error count began to rise. But it was the American who made the first crucial breakthrough, capitalizing on Raducanu’s faltering serve at 2-2 to seize control.

Kenin held her nerve as the match neared its conclusion, saving two break points and ultimately securing victory on her first match point. Reflecting on the match, Kenin acknowledged the intense battle she had faced. "It was super close - the third set, I feel like it could have gone either way. I tried to handle my nerves," she said.

For Raducanu, the loss extends her winless streak at the US Open since her stunning 2021 victory. While the defeat is a setback, the 20-year-old can take heart from her resilience and flashes of the form that propelled her to Grand Slam glory.

Kenin, meanwhile, moves on to face either Jessica Pegula or Shelby Rogers in an all-American second-round matchup, as she seeks to build on this hard-fought win and rediscover the form that once made her one of the sport’s rising stars.

Raducanu will now turn her attention to the rest of the season, looking to regain her rhythm and confidence after a challenging year on the tour. For her fans and supporters, the hope remains that she can once again recapture the magic that lit up the tennis world just two years ago.