‘I could not be more impressed with Raducanu!’ exclaims former world number four
Wimbledon sensation Emma Raducanu is wowing crowds at her second Slam appearance, including this former top pro.
The teenager “completely dominated” opponent Shuai Zhang according to former British number one Tim Henman, who watched on from beside Court 10 in Flushing Meadows.
Raducanu displayed aggression and poise to overcome her top-50 opponent, doing so in under 90 minutes on-court.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” Henman said of the 18-year-old’s victory. “I mean, I could not be more impressed with Raducanu’s performance.
“Two elements. [First] the quality of her tennis. To be up 6-2, 4-0 she was absolutely faultless. I mean, she made so few unforced errors. Completely dominated her opponent.
“But, you’re always expecting an experienced player to respond. And Zhang did that. She got back to 4-3.
“And, the other element that really impressed me with Raducanu was the way that she dealt with that adversity.
“There was absolutely no panic. She showed so much composure, just to regroup and play a very strong service game to go up 5-3. And then, serving it out, it’s hot, the sun’s in her eyes…but, she kept her focus, and it’s an absolutely brilliant win for her.”
At 18 years and 293 days old, the young star becomes the second youngest British woman to reach the third round of the US Open, only behind Laura Robson when she did so back in 2012 at 70 days younger.
To equal her achievement of reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, Raducanu will have to next fell world number 41 Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain.
If she were to do that, Raducanu’s toughest ever match would likely come next in the form of world number one and Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty.
Read >> US Open BREAKING NEWS
Watch >> US Open LIVE SCORES
Catch up >> US Open ‘Second Service’
Enjoy >> US Open LIVE COMMENTARY
Order >> US Open SPECIAL MAGAZINE
Follow >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club