Emma Raducanu admitted her decision to avoid competing during the North American hardcourt swing affected her performance at the US Open, where she lost to Sofia Kenin in the first round. Raducanu expressed regret about not playing more matches before the tournament, stating, 'I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything's automatic.' She acknowledged the need to manage her schedule differently in the future.
Despite recent good form at Wimbledon and Washington, Raducanu decided to return home for training rather than competing in lower-level tournaments, which ultimately didn't prepare her well for the US Open. She reflected, 'I would have preferred to probably play a little bit more before coming into the US Open.' Raducanu recognized that having more matches under her belt could have helped her perform better, especially under pressure.
In the match against Sofia Kenin, Raducanu showcased admirable determination, counterpunching well and forcing errors from Kenin with solid defense. However, Kenin's ability to dictate play and her superb serving proved decisive. Raducanu stated, 'I would say it wasn't [just] me... that's what happened. And can't really change it.' This illustrates the collective decision-making process that impacted her pre-tournament preparation.
Sofia Kenin's game plan was effective throughout the match, as she consistently took the ball early and maintained impressive depth off her groundstrokes, ultimately winning in three sets. Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm, especially in the first set where she faced limited opposition from Kenin. Kenin's strategic mix of gameplay—utilizing drop shots, slices, and precise serves—kept Raducanu guessing, showcasing her own championship caliber.
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