Raducanu Falls to Kenin in US Open First Round Exit

Emma Raducanu remains in pursuit of her first victory at the US Open since her unforgettable 2021 win, following another first-round exit.

The 21-year-old astonished the world three years ago by capturing the title in just her third senior tournament, but has since struggled at the event.

After a first-round exit in 2022 and missing the tournament last year due to injury, Raducanu faced more disappointment as Sofia Kenin secured a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory on the Grandstand court.

Initially, it appeared it could be a quick match as Kenin dominated the first set, but Raducanu fought back to push the match to three sets.

However, a crucial service game in the middle of the decider proved costly, sending the former champion home early.

With only one tournament played since Wimbledon and having skipped the Olympics to concentrate on the US Open, this early loss is a significant disappointment for Raducanu, raising questions about her career trajectory.

To her credit, it was a difficult draw against a former Australian Open winner, who displayed top form.

Kenin particularly targeted Raducanu's serve, breaking it three times to dominate the first set.

Raducanu missed three break points in the first set, but started the second by breaking Kenin's serve.

Though the American quickly reclaimed the break, a pivotal backhand winner down the line at 2-2 and 15-15 shifted the second set's momentum in Raducanu's favor.

This momentum helped her secure another break, and Kenin's frustration showed as she hit the ball into the backboard. Raducanu captured a second break and won the second set impressively.

Unfortunately, the Briton's performance faltered in the fifth game of the final set, resulting in a break from which she could not recover, as Kenin efficiently closed out the match.