In a classic matchup of established class versus current form, it was the class of Emma Raducanu that shone through. The former Grand Slam champion delivered a polished and authoritative performance to outplay the in-form qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 and move into the third round of the US Open.
Janice Tjen came into the match as one of the hottest players on tour, with a staggering 95 wins in the last 15 months and a first-round upset of a seeded player. Her momentum and unique style made her a legitimate threat.
However, Raducanu demonstrated the significant gap in class and experience. She handled the big-stage atmosphere of Louis Armstrong Stadium with ease and executed a game plan with the precision of a top-tier player. Her superior power, cleaner ball-striking, and tactical awareness were simply too much for Tjen, who has little experience at this level.
The victory was a reminder of the pedigree Raducanu possesses. While form can be temporary, class is permanent, and Raducanu’s inherent talent and champion’s mindset were on full display. She respected her opponent’s form but ultimately imposed her superior class on the match, a quality she will need as she ventures deeper into the draw.
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