Raducanu Set for Tough US Open Return Against Sofia Kenin

Emma Raducanu is poised to make her much-anticipated return to the US Open, where she will face former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin in the opening round. The British star, who captured the world’s attention with her stunning 2021 triumph as a teenage qualifier, will be making her first appearance at Flushing Meadows in two years.

Raducanu’s fairy tale run to the title three years ago made her the first British woman to win a major singles crown in 44 years. However, her recent fortunes have been more challenging. The 21-year-old exited in the first round in 2022 and missed last year’s tournament following wrist and ankle surgeries.

Now back in action, Raducanu has been handed a tricky test against Kenin, a former world No. 4 who won the Australian Open in 2020 and finished runner-up at the French Open the same year. The American is also seeking to recapture her best form after dealing with her own injury setbacks, making this a compelling first-round clash between two players with a point to prove.

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Katie Boulter, Britain’s top-ranked player and 31st seed, will begin her campaign against a yet-to-be-determined qualifier, while Harriet Dart takes on France’s Chloe Paquet.

In the men’s competition, Jack Draper has been handed a tricky opener against China’s Zhang Zhizhen, with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz looming as a potential third-round opponent. Dan Evans, Britain’s second-ranked male player, faces a tough test against Russia’s 23rd seed Karen Khachanov.

Meanwhile, Jan Choinski secured his place in the main draw for the first time with a battling 6-0, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (12-10) victory over American Maxime Cressy. However, there was disappointment for fellow Britons Sonay Kartal, Lily Miyazaki, and Billy Harris, who all fell at the final hurdle in qualifying.

The 2023 US Open, set to run from August 26 to September 8, promises to be an intriguing tournament for British tennis fans, with Raducanu and others looking to make their mark in New York. All eyes will be on Raducanu as she attempts to navigate a tough draw and rekindle the magic that made her a global sensation just two years ago.