Emma Raducanu sets up mouthwatering US Open tie with '10 out of 10 performance'

Nick McGee

Emma Raducanu sets up mouthwatering US Open tie with '10 out of 10 performance' image

Emma Raducanu set up an enticing third-round clash with Elena Rybakina at the US Open by producing what was described as a "10 out of 10 performance" at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

Raducanu has not gone beyond the fourth round of a grand slam since incredibly winning the US Open as a qualifier in 2021.

But she was in sparkling form in the second round in New York as she brushed aside qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2 6-1.

Raducanu has won eight of her 11 matches since losing to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of Wimbledon.

Now she will face a stern test of her credentials against ninth seed Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion who overcame Tereza Valentova in straight sets in her second-round match.

Still, Raducanu can afford to head into the clash with confidence after his display against Tjen.

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Raducanu's perfect 10

Raducanu performed excellently on serve in dispatching Tjen in just an hour, earning extremely high praise from former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.

"It's very difficult not to give her a 10 out of 10 for this performance. She was just incredible, from the very first game. She did not give her opponent anything to work with," Bartoli said on Sky Sports.

"She was just sublime on her serve, and to be able to take someone like Tjen out of the court in one hour, to reach the third round of the US Open, that's why we're getting so excited."

Raducanu-Rybakina head-to-head

Raducanu may have to up her level considerably to get the better of Rybakina and keep her hopes alive.

The Briton has only faced Rybakina once in her career, losing 6-0 6-1 in Sydney in 2022.

However, Raducanu's impressive form should make for a much more competitive encounter this time around.

"I'm happy – I think I'm embracing the pressure and expectation a lot more now," Raducanu told BBC Sport.

"I don't think it is the same as before – I'm not top five or top 10 – but there is still eyes on what I'm doing and my results.

"It's a good sign that people think I'm playing better and doing better and can win matches. I'm all round pretty positive."

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Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.