Emma Raducanu is “building to something big” as she prepares for her return to Flushing Meadows – the scene of her best triumph.
The British No 1 shocked the tennis world in 2021 when, aged simply 18, she stormed to US Open glory.
As an alternative of launching right into a sustained run on the summit of the game, the previous 4 years have felt extra like a reset for Raducanu however a web page seems to have been turned in 2025.
Improved health, a extra steady teaching setup have produced indicators of resilience and development – suggesting one other assertion efficiency could also be on the horizon, in keeping with Sky Sports activities Tennis commentator Jonathan Overend.
“Raducanu has won it [the US Open] before, so she has those amazing memories from 2021,” Overend stated.
“In a manner, although, does she wish to neglect that she ever did that? She’s constructing her profession now virtually as if she’d by no means had that startling breakthrough, slowly working her manner again up the rankings.
“Last year, she started outside the world’s top 300; now she’s firmly back in the top 50, so she’s building up towards something big again. I’m not saying it’s going to happen at the US Open, but it’s good progress from Raducanu this year.”
As Raducanu returns to Flushing Meadows with cautious optimism, fellow Brit Jack Draper travels to the US Open in quest of a seat at tennis’ high desk that solely a Grand Slam title can safe.
Draper, who reached the US Open semi-finals in 2024, is ready to return from an prolonged post-Wimbledon break on the ultimate Grand Slam of the 12 months.
‘Draw essential for Draper’
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A take a look at one of the best of the motion from Jack Draper’s 2025 en path to turning into world No 4
“The interesting thing from Draper’s point of view is that he hasn’t played since Wimbledon,” Overend added.
“He’s taken time off and is building his schedule very carefully now to make sure he doesn’t overplay or injure his body like he did quite frequently a couple of years ago.”
Overend believes the draw Draper receives might show essential, including: “A lot will depend on the draw because if you haven’t played for a while, you want to ease your way into the tournament with a few handy matches in the first couple of rounds.
“He made the semi-finals final 12 months, shedding to Jannik Sinner, so he is obtained a number of rating factors to defend. But when he will get to the center weekend he is completely obtained an opportunity of getting a superb match.”
The final Grand Slam of the year – the US Open – returns live and exclusive on Sky Sports Tennis, with every match available on Sky Sports+.
From August 24 to September 7, Sky Sports is your home for all the action from Flushing Meadows, as British stars Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu face off against tennis heavyweights like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka.
Draper reached the semi-finals last year, while Raducanu captured the title in 2021. Follow their progress – and every gripping match – only on Sky Sports.
Watch the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this 12 months at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.
