Emma Raducanu in 'different state of mind' as Brit prepares for US Open first round under Rafael Nadal's former coach
By Rhys Jones
Published 23/08/2025 at 18:09 GMT+1
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Emma Raducanu is finally able to "enjoy the great memories" she made at the US Open as she returns to Flushing Meadows in a "different state of mind." The 22-year-old famously emerged with a shock triumph in New York in 2021, but has failed to win a single match there since. She faces Ena Shibahara in the first round, and has Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig behind her.
Unseeded Raducanu 'as ready as I can be' ahead of US Open
Video credit: SNTV
Emma Raducanu is in a "different state of mind" as she prepares for her first match at the 2025 US Open.
The 2021 US Open winner faces qualifier Ena Shibahara, and has managed to avoid the top seeds in the first two rounds.
It has been four years since her shock triumph at Flushing Meadows, but the 22-year-old has steadily built and improved her form this year ahead of returning to the site of her greatest win.
"It brings back really good memories," Raducanu told TNT Sports' Mats Wilander.
"I think especially this year, I'm arriving in a different state of mind so that's positive for me. I'm actually looking forward to being here and seeing everything as a positive.
"That, for me, is really refreshing and nice, and now I can enjoy the great memories that I made here."
The Brit has managed to display a high level of consistency, and last week she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a final-set tie-break in a three-hour clash in Cincinnati.
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With a string of impressive performances behind her, her mentality now is in complete contrast to last year, when she fought back tears after losing to Sofia Kenin in the first round of the New York tournament.
Before her singles opener, Raducanu partnered Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open's revamped mixed doubles, which she believes should be adopted by the other Grand Slams.
The doubles event lasted just two days and featured no third sets or advantages.
She and Alcaraz were eliminated in the last 16 by Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, but Raducanu said her 50 minutes on court with the Spaniard were "special."
"It was incredible", she added. "Such a fun match and such a fun experience to be a part of. I thought it was a great idea.
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Alcaraz 'on his way' to becoming one of the greatest of all time - Wilander
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Obviously, to share the court with [Alcaraz] was incredible. Just to hear how he thinks and see him so up close, it was pretty special."
The pair announced their doubles partnership earlier this summer around Wimbledon, but the world No. 2 is not the only Spaniard she is learning from - she is now under the wing of Rafael Nadal's former coach, Francisco Roig.
Raducanu has had a flurry of coaches since her 2021 win in New York, but Roig was on hand for each of Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles and could be key to continuing her ascent up the rankings.
"Quite a few Spaniards around, but not complaining," Raducanu joked.
"They're so good to hang out with, very fun. Francis [Roig] has been super positive, and I'm really enjoying the work so far, and looking forward to continuing with him."
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