Day one of US Open in New York
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka beats Rebeka Masarova 7-5 6-1
World number one Sabalenka seeking first major of year
Emma Raducanu drops just three games against Ena Shibahara to reach second round
First time Raducanu has gone past first round at Flushing Meadows since 2021 title run
Home hopes Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton through; Novak Djokovic and Jessica Pegula in night session
*Raducanu 5-1 Shibahara
Leon Smith
Former GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
That must feel good. It's a lonely, lonely place when you are 5-0 down that quickly. For Ena Shibahara, that is a really important game.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
It's also worth reiterating that Shibahara has not offered much in way of opposition.
The Japanese qualifier lets out a shriek as she finally gets on the board and avoids the bagel.
A sympathetic cheer comes from the healthy opening-day crowd on Louis Armstrong Stadium - the second show-court here at Flushing Meadows.
*Mensik 4-3 Jarry
Nicolas Jarry survives a break point before smashing home on the volley to hold serve.
The 29-year-old hasn't let that early break affect him too much and is giving as good as he's getting from Jakub Mensik.
*Raducanu 5-1 Shibahara
Ena Shibahara gets on the board in this first set to avoid the bagel.
The Japanese is really struggling with her serving game and she did so again there.
But Raducanu was lax with a couple of attempted forehand winners, allowing the world number 128 to get a foothold.
Russell Fuller
Tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
I'm pleased to say from a British perspective that this is going just the way we expected it would.
Raducanu 5-0 Shibahara*
Just the tonic for Emma Raducanu, who holds to love.
She's a break away from taking this first set, with just 20 minutes gone.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
Pretty impressive. Raducanu has looked very assured in her movement and shot-making.
Her confidence is illustrated neatly by that rasping cross-court forehand winner from out wide on the deuce side of the court on the way to a 4-0 lead.
Raducanu - regularly encouraging herself between points by saying 'Let's go, let's go' - is fully locked in.
*Raducanu 4-0 Shibahara
This is belting stuff from Emma Raducanu.
She's playing some really powerful stuff, but keeping control.
The Briton breaks, taking the first of two break points to race into a commanding lead.
* denotes next server
Raducanu 3-0 Shibahara*
Leon Smith
Former GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
Ena Shibahara looks a bit more nervous which is totally normal coming in as a qualifier. This is very new for her. Emma Raducanu is in full control.
Raducanu 3-0 Shibahara*
Leon Smith
Former GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
Emma Raducanu is such a complete player. Her technique all round is so good. Technically, she is in a really good place, she's a great mover. Her court coverage is excellent.
*Mensik 3-2 Jarry
Nicolas Jarry hits an ace to take his service game 40-0. Impressive stuff from the Chilean.
Raducanu 3-0 Shibahara*
Much better stuff from Ena Shibahara, who displays her forehand strength to take the game to deuce.
But Emma Raducanu continues her fine start by serving out to hold.
The Briton is dictating this at the moment as the pair go for their first change of ends.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
Image source, BBC SportRaducanu's serve has vastly improved and become a weapon which she is starting to rely on.
A positive start on that front brings nodding encouragement from the Briton's entourage.
Leading the reaction is her new coach Francisco Roig.
Roig helped fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal win all of his 22 Grand Slams titles and is described a coach whose technical expertise is unparalleled.
You can read all about why Raducanu has turned to him here (perhaps in-between sets or bookmark for after the match).
*Raducanu 2-0 Shibahara
Leon Smith
Former GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
There are a few signs of early nerves from Ena Shibahara.
*Raducanu 2-0 Shibahara
Perfect start for Emma Raducanu, who breaks at the first time of asking.
But that was a poor service game from Ena Shibahara. She double faults twice, before letting Raducanu dictate on her first break point to gain a lead.
*Mensik 2-1 Jarry
Jakub Mensik breaks serve in the third game as Nicolas Jarry commits two double faults.
Time for the players to change ends.
Raducanu v Shibahara
Russell Fuller
Tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
You can't put into words what happened in 2021, it's the most unique fairytale that could have possibly happened.
You can't be equipped to come through qualifying and win a Grand Slam at that age. The important thing is Emma Raducanu is still really, really young.
Raducanu 1-0 Shibahara*
Punchy start from Emma Raducanu.
She holds to love, with two aces to boot.
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
You can follow Raducanu's match against Shibahara by tuning into BBC Radio 5 Live Extra here or via the link at the top of this page.
Raducanu v Shibahara
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
Arriving at the final Grand Slam event of the season, Emma Raducanu will feel she has made encouraging strides this year - particularly since March.
The run to the Miami Open quarter-finals - having brought long-time ally Mark Petchey into her corner - was the birth of a more carefree, happier Raducanu.
This carefree spirit has continued since.
Raducanu reached another quarter-final at Queen's, then the Washington semi-finals, meaning she has now won more tour-level in 2025 then any other season.
Can she add another today? It will be her first victory at Flushing Meadows since the 2021 final...
Image source, BBC Sport
