Emma Raducanu is back at the US Open and, for the first time in years, she says New York feels like her “happy place” again.

The 22-year-old shocked the world in 2021 when she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title, lifting the US Open trophy as a teenager. But since that dream run, her return trips to Flushing Meadows have been tough. Injuries, pressure, and early exits meant she couldn’t recapture the magic until now.

This Sunday, Raducanu begins her campaign against Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara at 16:00 BST. She arrives as world number 35, looking more relaxed, confident, and ready than in previous years.

“I really struggled when I came back in 2022. I didn’t enjoy being here,” she admitted. “Now, for the first time, I can come back and enjoy the memories. I can be proud of what I did and see it as a happy place. I feel in a much better place now.”

Last year, Raducanu returned from injury but fell in the first round to Sofia Kenin, leaving the court in tears. This time, however, she’s coming in with momentum and optimism. Her form this summer has been her best since 2021, and she’s edging closer to rejoining the world’s top 30.

“I feel relaxed, I feel happy, and I feel like I’m enjoying the process of getting better,” she said. “In a way, it feels the same as 2021.”

Other British Hopes in New York

Raducanu may be the first Brit in action, but she’s not alone at this year’s US Open. Britain has eight players in the singles draws.

• Jack Draper – Britain’s top-ranked man and seeded fifth, Draper reached the semi-finals last year. He hasn’t played since Wimbledon due to an arm injury but insists he’s ready. He faces Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in his opener.
• Cameron Norrie – The 29-year-old world number 40 takes on American Sebastian Korda. After some early exits in Canada, Norrie returned to his old college base in Texas to recharge and is aiming for a third straight Grand Slam second-week appearance.
• Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Francesca Jones, Jacob Fearnley, and Billy Harris – All begin their campaigns on Tuesday, adding to a strong British presence at the tournament.

A Fresh Start for Raducanu

Four years on from her historic victory, Raducanu is no longer weighed down by expectation. Instead, she’s rediscovering the joy in her game.

With a smile back on her face and confidence in her shots, fans will be hoping that New York once again proves to be a special place for Britain’s brightest tennis star.

The final Grand Slam of the season is here, and all eyes are on New York. The US Open always brings high drama, unpredictable storylines, and plenty of pressure as players battle the long season’s final major. This year, the spotlight shines brightest on two men – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – and two women – Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.

Men’s Singles: Sinner vs Alcaraz – Again?

For the past two years, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the men’s game. Between them, they’ve carved up the last seven major titles and look set for another showdown in New York. With Sinner the defending champion and Alcaraz the 2022 winner, stopping either man feels like mission impossible for the rest of the field.

American sixth seed Ben Shelton put it simply: “If you want to win a big title these days, that’s who you’ve got to go through.”

But if there’s one Slam where surprises happen, it’s the US Open. The slower hard courts, sticky humidity, and end-of-season fatigue have produced six different champions in the past seven years.

The Main Challengers

• Novak Djokovic (38 years old) – Still a threat despite his age, Djokovic is the only man to win the US Open twice in the past decade.
• Alexander Zverev (3rd seed) – Still chasing a first Slam, Zverev has brought in Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, to help unlock his belief. Nadal insists Zverev has the weapons to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz if he can stay mentally strong.
• Taylor Fritz (4th seed) – Last year’s runner-up has the game to go deep again. The American fans will be desperate to see a homegrown champion for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2003.
• Jack Draper (GB No.1) – The 23-year-old Brit reached the semi-finals last year but has been battling an arm injury since Wimbledon. If fit, he could be dangerous.

The stage is set: either Sinner or Alcaraz could cement their dominance, but history says New York sometimes writes its own script.

Women’s Singles: Swiatek or Sabalenka?

On the women’s side, the big question is whether Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka will rise to the occasion.

Iga Swiatek

The 2022 champion and current Wimbledon winner comes in hot after lifting the Cincinnati Open. Despite a slow start to the year, the Polish star is back in form and widely seen as the favourite. Still, as Swiatek herself said: “It doesn’t make sense to call anyone the favourite… so many girls can win the tournament.”

Aryna Sabalenka

The world number one and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, has had a bit of a mixed season. She hasn’t lifted a Slam in 2025 yet and looked shaky in Cincinnati, but her power and past success in New York mean she’s always dangerous.

Other Names to Watch

• Coco Gauff (3rd seed) – The 2023 champion and current French Open winner. She’s still working on fixing her serve with new coach Gavin MacMillan, but if it clicks, she’s a real threat.
• Jessica Pegula: Last year’s runner-up and one of the most reliable hard-court players on tour.
• Madison Keys: Back in top form and already a Slam winner this season after her Australian Open victory.
• Amanda Anisimova: Riding high after reaching the Wimbledon final and ready to make a big run with the home crowd behind her.

The women’s draw is full of big names, but all eyes are on two players. Iga Swiatek is chasing another US Open crown to add to her already impressive collection, while Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to make history as the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend the title.

Final Thoughts

The US Open never disappoints when it comes to drama. On the men’s side, Sinner and Alcaraz look like the ones to beat. In the women’s game, Swiatek and Sabalenka are the big favourites. Still, if there’s one thing New York has taught us, it’s to always expect the unexpected. An upset could be just around the corner.

Who will rise? Who will fall? Over the next two weeks, New York will give us the answers.

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori made history at the US Open, holding on to their mixed doubles crown with a dramatic win over Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. The Italians battled hard and came through 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 late at night in New York.

What made this triumph even sweeter was the backdrop. With the tournament organisers revamping the mixed doubles event to feature more singles stars and fewer specialist pairings, Errani and Vavassori were left as the only established doubles team in the 16-pair draw. Their place was even under threat until they were handed a late wildcard.

“We have been on a mission,” Vavassori said, while Errani dedicated the win to all doubles players left sidelined by the new format.

Big Prize, Bigger Point

The revamped event came with a huge prize pot of $1m (£740,000) — five times more than last year — to lure big names like Swiatek, Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. Yet, in the end, it was the doubles experts who showed their class, proving that tactical know-how and team chemistry still matter most.

Swiatek, who congratulated the champions with a smile, admitted: “I guess you proved doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players.”

The Road to Glory

Errani and Vavassori fought their way past Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the semi-finals, before stepping up once again in the final. Their opponents, Swiatek and Ruud, had shown resilience earlier by saving four match points against Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, but this time they could not complete another comeback.

The Italians sealed the win with grit and joy, finishing it off with a playful moment as Vavassori lifted Errani into the air to celebrate.

Controversy Still Lingers

The US Open’s big changes to mixed doubles haven’t pleased everyone. Many doubles players felt pushed aside as the new format favoured singles stars. Errani and Vavassori even called the changes “profoundly wrong” in a statement before the event.

Some in the tennis world argue the revamp has devalued the title, with talk of “asterisks” next to the winners. But the electric final night told a different story.

From a patriotic flag display by the Marine Corps to DJs spinning New York tunes, the final felt like a show as much as a match. With Anna Wintour courtside and a packed crowd cheering until the end, it was a night to remember.

A Win Beyond the Trophy

For Errani and Vavassori, this victory was more than just another Grand Slam medal. It was a statement for their sport.

“We showed that doubles is a great product,” said Vavassori. “In the future we need more marketing and visibility.”

And on a night when singles superstars were supposed to steal the show, the doubles pair reminded everyone why their craft still matters.

Novak Djokovic is just one win away from a historic milestone after securing a dominant victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the Miami Open semi-finals. The Serbian tennis legend, currently ranked world number five, displayed his signature class and control, defeating Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 to reach his first Miami Open final since 2016.

The six-time Miami Open champion will now face 19-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik, who stunned the tennis world with a dramatic victory over American Taylor Fritz in the second semi-final. Djokovic, aged 37, now has the chance to become only the third male player in history to claim 100 ATP titles, adding another prestigious trophy to his already illustrious career.

Semi-Final Recap: Djokovic vs. Dimitrov

A Strong Start by Dimitrov, But Djokovic Takes Control

Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov began the match on a positive note, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the opening game. However, the 24-time Grand Slam winner quickly responded, breaking back and going on to win five straight games to wrap up the first set in commanding fashion.

Dimitrov, who was the beaten finalist in Miami last year, struggled to cope with Djokovic’s precision and tactical play. The Bulgarian’s shaky start to the second set allowed Djokovic to capitalize, breaking serve early and never looking back.

One of the defining aspects of the match was Djokovic’s ability to limit his unforced errors, making just five compared to Dimitrov’s 32.

Djokovic’s Tactical Masterclass

Djokovic’s ability to adapt to windy conditions was evident throughout the match. While Dimitrov struggled to adjust, Djokovic expertly maneuvered the ball, keeping his opponent on the back foot.

Key Tactical Moves:

• Consistent Serving: Djokovic strategically placed his serves to force Dimitrov into difficult return positions.
• Baseline Domination: The Serbian played deep and forced errors from Dimitrov by extending rallies.
• Breaking Momentum: Whenever Dimitrov appeared to be gaining rhythm, Djokovic disrupted it with precise counterattacks.

A Record-Breaking Feat Awaits Djokovic

At 37 years and 10 months, Djokovic has now become the oldest player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final. If he wins the Miami Open, he will cement his place in history as the oldest Masters 1000 champion.

Oldest ATP Masters 1000 Finalists:

Djokovic’s ability to maintain peak performance at his age is a testament to his fitness regime, mental strength, and adaptability.

Mensik: A Teenage Challenger Stands in Djokovic’s Way

Awaiting Djokovic in the final is an unlikely challenger—19-year-old Jakub Mensik. The world number 54 pulled off a stunning upset against Taylor Fritz, winning 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) in a match dominated by big serves. Mensik fired an incredible 25 aces compared to Fritz’s 14.

Mensik’s journey to the Miami final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having never won an ATP title before, he is now on the verge of making history. His victory against Fritz was partly fueled by an unexpected encounter with football superstar Lionel Messi. Mensik revealed that shaking hands with Messi before his match brought him good luck.

“Meeting this legend, not even a human, it’s not happening every day. I didn’t wash my hand before the match, so probably that was the key for me today,” Mensik jokingly said after his win.

Djokovic vs. Mensik: A Battle of Experience vs. Youth

The final promises to be a fascinating battle between Djokovic’s experience and Mensik’s youthful energy. The Czech teenager’s aggressive playstyle and powerful serves will pose a unique challenge for Djokovic, who is known for his exceptional return game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Djokovic has faced young challengers before and emerged victorious, but Mensik’s fearless approach could make for an exciting contest.

What’s at Stake?

• Djokovic’s 100th ATP Title: A historic milestone that will place him among the all-time greats.
• Mensik’s First ATP Title: A dream come true for the Czech teenager if he can pull off the ultimate upset.
• Miami Open Glory: Djokovic aims to win his seventh Miami Open title, further cementing his dominance at the event.

The world will be watching as these two players battle it out for the Miami Open crown. With Djokovic’s legacy on the line and Mensik’s breakthrough moment within reach, the final is set to be a thrilling encounter.

The topic of player safety in tennis has gained significant attention after rising concerns surrounding multiple incidents involving top players. One of the latest cases involves world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who was provided with additional security at the Miami Open following an unsettling incident with a spectator. This comes just weeks after British tennis star Emma Raducanu was visibly shaken when a man approached her during a match at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.

Incident at the Miami Open

Swiatek’s encounter occurred last week, prompting immediate action from tournament organizers and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Although the specific details of the situation have not been disclosed, it was serious enough for officials to take heightened security measures.

“We take the safety and security of all players and tournament attendees extremely seriously,” said Miami Open organizers in an official statement. “We constantly evaluate any potential threats and take every measure to respond appropriately. To ensure the effectiveness of these efforts, we do not disclose the details of our security operations.”

A spokesperson for Swiatek’s team emphasized the importance of player safety, stating, “Security is a top priority. We monitor the network to catch these types of issues. Constructive criticism is one thing, but threats, hate speech, or disturbances during training are another—this cannot be condoned.”

Enhanced Security Measures for Swiatek

Swiatek’s team wasted no time in reporting the incident to the tournament organizers and the WTA. In response, both parties acted swiftly by implementing additional security protocols.

“We reported the matter to the tournament organizer, as well as to the WTA, which reacted immediately and took additional precautions, such as extra security, for which we are very grateful,” Swiatek’s team added. “Ensuring the safety of the players is crucial. They are the ones at the center of the event, and it is our job to protect them.”

This proactive approach aims to ensure that players feel safe while competing at the highest level, reinforcing that incidents like these will not be tolerated.

Swiatek Falls Short in Miami Open Quarter-Finals

Despite the added security concerns, Swiatek remained focused on her matches but was unable to secure a title in Miami. She suffered a quarter-final loss to Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, who showcased an impressive performance to defeat the Polish star 6-2, 7-5.

Eala demonstrated remarkable composure, bouncing back from an early break in the first game to dominate the opening set. Although Swiatek improved her level in the second set and built a 4-2 lead, Eala’s variety of shots forced Swiatek into errors. Ultimately, Eala won five of the last six games to close out the match in just 100 minutes.

With this result, Swiatek remains without a title in 2025. Her last tournament victory came at the French Open in 2024, and she will now shift her focus to upcoming events as she aims to regain her winning form.

Growing Concerns Over Player Safety in Tennis

The incident involving Swiatek is not the first security scare in professional tennis this year. Emma Raducanu was left in tears after a man approached her during a match in Dubai before being ejected from the stands. Such incidents highlight the increasing need for stronger security measures at tournaments.

Sky Sports Tennis analyst Tim Henman expressed his concerns about the ongoing safety issues, stating, “It’s horrible. Unfortunately, in the society we live in, this is something that does go on, and often it’s more the online abuse. But to have someone in the stands at the back of the practice court shouting abuse is unacceptable.”

Henman added, “It’s great that both tours are aware of this type of behavior. If they are able to catch those culprits, they will certainly be removed. They have no place near a tennis tournament, no place in society. Not a nice thing for Swiatek, and hopefully, we can eradicate it as much as possible.”

Swiatek, one of the biggest stars in women’s tennis, carries the hopes of an entire nation. “She comes from a country like Poland that doesn’t have an enormous tennis tradition, so she’s flying the flag. There will be a lot of support, but inevitably, the other side of the coin,” Henman concluded.

What This Means for Tennis Moving Forward

As the sport continues to grow globally, ensuring the safety of players must remain a top priority. Tennis tournaments worldwide are now under pressure to enhance security measures, ensuring that both online and in-person threats are dealt with swiftly.

Swiatek’s case, along with Raducanu’s experience, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges athletes face beyond their performances on the court. With organizations like the WTA and tournament officials stepping up their efforts, the hope is that professional tennis will become a safer space for players, allowing them to focus solely on the game.

While Swiatek may have fallen short in Miami, her resilience remains unshaken. With the clay-court season approaching, the Polish star will look to bounce back and reclaim her dominance on the tour, hopefully in a much safer and more secure environment.

British tennis star Emma Raducanu is making waves at the Miami Open with an impressive performance that has propelled her to the quarter-finals. The 21-year-old, who has faced injury struggles in recent seasons, appears to be regaining the form that saw her win the 2021 US Open.

Raducanu’s latest triumph at the Miami Open has set up an exciting quarter-final showdown against Jessica Pegula, the world number five. The young Brit has delivered some exceptional performances in the tournament, demonstrating her resilience and skill on the court.

Raducanu’s Road to the Quarter-Finals

Raducanu’s journey through the Miami Open has been remarkable. She has displayed solid shot-making, impressive court coverage, and a newfound confidence that has seen her take down strong opponents.

Each match has shown Raducanu’s ability to adapt and fight through difficult moments. Against Sakkari, she demonstrated great mental strength, bouncing back after dropping the second set to close out the match in the third. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure is a promising sign for the future.

The Quarter-Final Clash Against Jessica Pegula

Raducanu’s biggest test yet comes in the form of Jessica Pegula, an established top-10 player known for her aggressive baseline game and strategic play. Pegula, who has been a consistent force on the WTA tour, will be looking to use her experience to halt Raducanu’s momentum.

Head-to-Head Record: Raducanu and Pegula have never faced each other in a professional match, making this an intriguing encounter. Pegula’s powerful groundstrokes and tactical awareness will pose a significant challenge for Raducanu, who will need to counter with her speed and precise shot placement.

Raducanu’s ability to return serves effectively and dictate points with her forehand will be crucial in this match. Pegula, on the other hand, will look to dominate with her flat, powerful shots and capitalize on any weaknesses in Raducanu’s game.

Key Stats: Raducanu vs Pegula

To break down the upcoming match, here’s a look at some key statistics that highlight the strengths and areas of concern for both players:

Raducanu’s Tactical Approach

To succeed against Pegula, Raducanu will need to adopt a strategic approach:

• Strong Returns: Pegula has an excellent serve, so Raducanu must focus on deep, aggressive returns to prevent Pegula from dictating rallies early.
• Improved Net Play: Raducanu has shown glimpses of a stronger net game recently, and mixing in some volleys and drop shots could keep Pegula off balance.
• Consistency and Patience: Pegula thrives on forcing errors from opponents. Raducanu will need to remain steady from the baseline, keeping unforced errors to a minimum.
• Fitness and Endurance: Given the humid conditions in Miami, Raducanu’s ability to stay fresh through long rallies and potential three-set matches will be a major factor.

A Tournament to Remember

Regardless of the outcome of her quarter-final clash, Raducanu’s Miami Open run is a significant confidence booster. The British star’s resurgence has been one of the highlights of the tournament, and her performances have reminded the tennis world of her immense potential.

With each match, Raducanu is proving that she can compete at the highest level. Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching as she takes on Pegula in what promises to be an electrifying contest.

The match is set to be a true test of Raducanu’s progress, and if she can maintain her current form, she could very well pull off another remarkable victory in her Miami Open journey.