Emma Raducanu is methodically building a fortress around her US Open campaign, and her 6-2, 6-1 win over Janice Tjen was another solid brick in the wall. This was a constructive, no-frills victory designed to strengthen her foundation before the major assaults from top-ranked opponents begin.
The first two rounds have been about laying the groundwork. Against Tjen, Raducanu focused on reinforcing the key pillars of her game: the powerful first serve and aggressive baseline play. She executed these fundamentals with precision, creating a solid structure that her opponent could not breach.
This victory was not about spectacular flair but about sturdy, reliable construction. She identified a potential weakness in Tjen’s game—the backhand slice under pressure—and systematically targeted it, ensuring there were no cracks in her own performance.
With each convincing win, the fortress becomes more imposing. Raducanu has now built a solid base of confidence and form. She has spent minimal energy and has her game in excellent working order. She is now ready to defend her fortress against the formidable forces that await in the third round and beyond.
