Emma Raducanu’s 2025 US Open journey came to an abrupt end on Friday night as she fell in straight sets to ninth seed and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The British No. 1, who famously won the title at Flushing Meadows in 2021, was unable to find her rhythm and was outpowered 6-1, 6-2 in just 62 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
While the scoreline was a harsh reminder of the gap between her and the game’s very best, Raducanu struck a positive tone in her post-match comments. She noted that top players consistently seem to bring their sharpest level against her, a reality she has chosen to interpret as a backhanded compliment.
“I’ll take that as a compliment that they’ve decided to really lock in against me,” Raducanu said. “But at the same time, it does show I have a lot more work to do.”
A Season of Tough Slam Exits
Raducanu’s 2025 season has followed a difficult pattern on the Grand Slam stage. In each of the four majors, her campaigns have been ended by top-ranked opponents. Six-time major champion Iga Świątek eliminated her in both Melbourne and Paris. At Wimbledon, it was world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka who proved too strong. And in New York, Rybakina delivered the latest lesson.
This recurring theme underscores both Raducanu’s enduring reputation and her current struggles. While she continues to draw the attention of the sport’s elite, her progress has often been blocked at the highest hurdles.
Building with a New Coach
Despite the defeat, Raducanu expressed optimism about the progress she is making with her new coach, whom she began working with just three weeks ago. The partnership is officially agreed through the end of the year, though Raducanu hinted at her interest in extending it into 2026.
“It’s only been three weeks, but it’s been a pretty successful three weeks in a sense that we’ve made good improvements,” she explained. “Certain parts of my game have gotten better for sure. Today my weaknesses were highlighted, but it’s only been three weeks, and he can’t really work miracles.”
For Raducanu, the journey is very much a work in progress. At 22, she remains one of the brightest young stars on the WTA Tour, but consistency and physical resilience continue to be key targets in her development.
Looking Ahead
While her early exit from the US Open will sting, Raducanu appears determined to channel the experience into growth. Facing the world’s top players at every Slam this year has provided her with a clear measuring stick, and her candid acknowledgment of the gap reflects both self-awareness and ambition.
If she and her new coach can build on the foundations of these opening weeks, the British star could yet close the gap on her rivals. For now, Raducanu departs New York knowing the road back to Grand Slam contention is steep—but also that the world’s best still consider her a threat worthy of their best tennis.