Emma Radukanu booked her location in the third round of the US Open after securing a straight set victory over Janice Tien on Wednesday.
It may feel like 2021 for Radkanu, who won a marked Grand Slam qualifying round that year. She then navigated the entire tournament without dropping the set. This time, so far, is good for the UK’s No. 1.
Tjen, a 23-year-old qualifier, may have been seeking inspiration for Raducan, but after being crushed 6-2, 6-1 by Britt in just an hour at Louis Armstrong Stadium, she has to wait for another Yates to make her mark.
It was even faster than her first round victory over Ena Shibahara, another qualifier that was her fastest Grand Slam victory.
“I’m very pleased with how I played,” Radkanu said. “A very dangerous opponent, she played very well. I look forward to doing my best every day and building it every day.”
In the second match, Raducanu began the contest at ACE, setting a great tone of performance, especially with his serve.
She lost only seven points on her own delivery in the first set, hitting five aces (8 in eight matches) and relentlessly targeting the Tjen backhand.
The Indonesian modeled the game at former world No. 1 Ashberty, and her heavy top spin forehand was a key weapon in her outstanding round one victory over 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova.
Tjen has won a ton of games on the low tour since graduating from California’s university last year, but has not faced many players at the Raducanu level.
This was another demonstration of how well Britain’s No. 1 plays. Her powerful serve was backed up by precise ground strokes, tactical insights and excellent movements.
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She will need everyone to be in the point when faced with former Wimbledon champion Elena Ribakina, but Radkanu will feel rightly that she can be an important obstacle for anyone in the draw.
The 22-year-old gets better and better here, breaking twice in the first set, then racing the second set, leaving him at a loss as to how Tjen would keep the flow of the game against her.
She eventually avoided the love set by riding the board for seven consecutive years, but Raducanu confidently offered the contest.
