WOMEN'S UPDATE, DAY 4: Indonesia's Tjen exits US Open as Raducanu moves on
Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen's US Open campaign ground to a halt on Wednesday with a comprehensive second-round defeat to Britain's Emma Raducanu.
Tjen upset Russian 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova on Sunday after becoming the first Indonesian to play in the main singles draw of a Grand Slam since 2004.
But any hopes of a sustained giant-killing run at Flushing Meadows evaporated in a 6-2, 6-1 defeat to 2021 US Open champion Raducanu at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Raducanu booked her place in the third round with a clinical performance, pulling Tjen all over the court with a succession of powerful deep groundstrokes into the corners.
Raducanu established control from the outset, breaking Tjen in the second game of the first set and holding twice for a 3-0 lead.
She broke Tjen again to take the first set, pinging a forehand into the corner as the 23-year-old from Jakarta scrambled unsuccessfully to return.
Tjen was soon under pressure in the second set, being broken twice in succession to fall 4-0 down.
Raducanu then held for a 5-0 lead, before wrapping up victory by holding in the seventh game.
Raducanu, who made history with her fairytale US Open triumph four years ago when she became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam title, will face either ninth seed Elena Rybakina or Tereza Valentova in the third round.
SABALENKA SHAKES OFF KUDERMETOVA IN US OPEN SECOND ROUND
Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka says she is "a better player and person" than the one who lost to Leylah Fernandez four years ago as they prepare for a re-run of their 2021 semifinal.
Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova to advance to the third round in New York on Wednesday.
World No 1 Sabalenka edged a tense first set in the Arthur Ashe night session before putting away Kudermetova 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
The win sent Sabalenka through to a first meeting with Canadian 31st seed Fernandez since their semifinal clash at Flushing Meadows four years ago.
Fernandez won that showdown before losing the final to Emma Raducanu, but Sabalenka is reluctant to dwell on the past.
"I think I better (not) remember anything from that match, because I think I changed a lot," said Sabalenka.
"I had really tough challenges after that, and I went through. I found myself. I become a better player and a person.
"So I think it's going to be completely different match. I better just don't even try to remember that match.
"But, of course, I do remember a couple of things, and I love rematches. So I'm actually super excited facing her here again."
The 27-year-old Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman to retain the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.
"I have to focus on myself. I know that if I'm able to bring my game and fight for every point I'll have my chances. I try to bring the best fight possible every time," said Sabalenka.
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