Last update on. From the section Tennis
Raducanu, who is ranked 150th around the globe, will be able to move up to the edge of the top 100 following the US Open.
US Open 2021 Venue Flushing Meadows New York Date: 30-08-12 September Coverage: Daily radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra/BBC Sport website/app, with selected text commentaries and match report on the app and website
Emma Raducanu, a British teenager, displayed another impressive performance that belied her youth. She defeated Zhang Shuai of China to reach the third round at the US Open.
Raducanu beat Zhang, 32 years old, 6-2 6-4. Zhang is ranked 101 spots higher than the 18 year-old.
Raducanu was superior in all departments and took him one hour and 21 seconds to win.
For a spot in the fourth round, she will next face Sara Sorribes Tormo from Spain on Saturday.
Raducanu, who was a wildcard in Wimbledon's last 16, is now backing up her outstanding performance in New York.
Raducanu was able to qualify for her first major last Wednesday and has not been affected by the enormity of playing in an overseas Grand Slam.
Court 10 was packed again with fans to see why Raducanu is Britain's brightest young talent. The Kent teenager impressed everyone.
Raducanu, who won the title, stayed on court and took countless selfies with her star-struck fans. This is a sign of the excitement that surrounds her.
Raducanu's incredible win is a testament to how far he has come.
Raducanu played aggressively and confidently right from the beginning. The scoreline did not do justice to her dominance.
Raducanu was leading by a set, a double break, and even Zhang, who was looking glum, was shocked by the opponent's quality.
The world number 49, an experienced player who had won over 500 singles matches, fought back in set 2. It was too late.
Raducanu's brilliance can be better understood by digging deeper into match statistics.
Zhang won only 11 return points, while she won 28 of the 33 first-serve points.
The Briton won 49% return points with her returning game, which was marked by precision off both wings and clinical timing. She had 27 winners and only 11 unforced mistakes.
She was close to winning, and there was a slight dip. However, she did not lose the energy of her first round win (where she needed seven match points to beat Swiss opponent Stefanie Vogele) in the later stages.
The pair met in San Jose at August's start. It was Raducanu’s first match since the Wimbledon last 16 where she suffered breathing difficulties and dizziness. Zhang won in straight sets.
Raducanu's physicality, confidence, and execution have improved since that time.
She was ranked 338th at Wimbledon and is now closing in on the top 100.
Raducanu has never dropped a set in five of her US Open matches, in qualifying and in the main draw.
Analysis: 'The ceiling for Raducanu is so high'
Laura Robson, former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
Emma Raducanu was a great match. She was put under a lot of pressure at the end, but she handled it well.
Although I don't wish to join the hype train, how can you refuse to play along with her?
Emma has been a great player and I have not seen any bad days.
Her ceiling is so high.
