Britain’s Emma Raducanu is embracing her return to the US Open, calling it a “happy place” as she gets ready to start her campaign.
Four years after her unexpected victory as a qualifier, the 22-year-old has found new perspective after struggling with injuries and pressure since her triumph.
Raducanu, the world number 35, plays Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara today at 16:00 BST. She expressed a sense of peace and a feeling of being “in a much better place now” compared to her previous returns to the tournament.
Emma Raducanu is one of eight British players in the singles draws. British men’s number one Jack Draper is seeded fifth and will look to build on his semifinal run from last year.
He will open his tournament on Monday, along with Cameron Norrie. The remaining British players are scheduled to begin their first-round matches on Tuesday.