Talk about handling the pressure! Emma Raducanu just showcased a masterclass at the US Open, turning a potential challenge into a dominant win. She’s not just playing; she’s embracing the expectation. What does this mean for her Grand Slam journey?

Britain’s tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has emphatically declared a new phase in her burgeoning career, confidently stating her ability to “embrace expectation” as she progresses through the US Open. This shift in mindset, coming from a former champion, signals a formidable challenge to her competitors and a mature approach to the high-stakes world of Grand Slam tennis.

Raducanu, the unexpected 2021 US Open victor, elaborated on her evolved perspective, telling BBC Sport, “I’m happy – I think I’m embracing the pressure and expectation a lot more now.” This self-awareness and positive reframing of external pressures are crucial for athletes aiming for sustained success at the elite level, especially given the intense scrutiny that follows a major title win.

Her recent clinical victory over Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in the US Open third round was a testament to this newfound composure, effectively navigating what could have been a challenging encounter. Raducanu’s performance showcased a blend of power and precision, ensuring a straightforward path despite Tjen’s recent upset victory.

While Tjen, though inexperienced at the top tier, had demonstrated her capacity to create upsets by defeating the 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the opening round, Raducanu allowed her opponent no room to find rhythm. Tjen’s crafty style, drawing comparisons to former world number one Ashleigh Barty, was nullified by Raducanu’s aggressive and dominant play from the outset.

A key aspect of Raducanu’s evolving game under her new coach Francisco Roig is the development of her serve into a potent weapon. This was clearly evident against Tjen, where she delivered eight aces and maintained an impressive 79% first-serve percentage, converting 76% of those points into wins, thereby keeping her opponent on the defensive.

Raducanu’s consistent power from the baseline further cemented her control, pushing Tjen deep within the court and effectively preventing the Indonesian from deploying her preferred slice and varied shot-making. This strategic dominance highlighted Raducanu’s physical conditioning and tactical acumen, ensuring she dictated the pace and trajectory of points.

The only fleeting moment of concern for Raducanu was a brief “stiffness” in a back niggle during the second set, which she quickly overcame. This impressive display against Tjen continues the upward trajectory Raducanu has meticulously forged this season, setting the stage for more formidable tests, including her upcoming match against Rybakina.

Meanwhile, her compatriot Cameron Norrie also secured his place in the third round after an arduous four-hour battle against Francisco Comesana. Norrie, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome a determined fightback from Comesana, eventually prevailing after a tense encounter.

Norrie’s advancement in New York follows a consistent string of encouraging performances this summer, including reaching the fourth round at the French Open and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Both British tennis stars are showcasing strong form, fueling national hopes for deep runs in this prestigious Grand Slam tournament.