The bright lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium created a pressure-cooker environment, and it was Emma Raducanu who thrived while her opponent, Janice Tjen, wilted under the heat. The former champion’s cool demeanor was key in her 6-2, 6-1 second-round victory at the US Open.
For Raducanu, the pressure of the big stage is a familiar feeling. She channeled the energy of the crowd and the intensity of the moment into a focused, powerful performance. The pressure seemed to elevate her game, sharpening her senses and strengthening her resolve.
For Tjen, a relative newcomer to this level, the pressure appeared to be a significant burden. Faced with a roaring crowd and a champion across the net, her shots lost their sting and her crafty game lost its rhythm. She was unable to replicate the free-swinging tennis that had brought her success in the first round.
This match was a clear example of how different players handle the intense pressure of Grand Slam tennis. Raducanu proved that she is a big-game player who rises to the occasion. This ability to thrive in the pressure cooker is what separates the champions from the contenders.