Advertisement

Emma Raducanu's dream US Open run continues as she reaches semi-finals with victory over Belinda Bencic

Mandatory Credit: Photo by JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (12431893ao) Emma Raducanu of Great Britain reacts after upsetting Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their quarterfinals round match on the tenth day of the US Open Tennis Championships the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 08 September 2021. The US Open runs  - JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
  • Raducanu comes back from 2-0 down in first set to win 6-3, 6-4

  • Briton is the first ever qualifier to make the US Open semi-finals

The remarkable US Open run by Emma Raducanu was so unexpected that her flight home had been booked for more than a week ago.

On Wednesday night, after stunning the tennis world by reaching the semi finals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, she said the calendar reshuffle was “a nice problem to have” and she’d like to stick around in New York just a bit longer.

The 18-year-old is the youngest Briton to reach the final four at this tournament in more than 60 years and has not dropped a set in eight matches.

Radacanu, who arrived at Flushing Meadows ranked 150th in the world, now stands a real chance of winning the whole tournament, while her on-court composure and off-court charm has made her a fan-favourite already.

Smiling widely in a press conference after her win, Raducanu said: “I'm just really enjoying the experience.

“Out there on the court today, I was saying to myself, this could be the last time you play on Ashe (The Arthur Ashe Stadium), so you might as well just go for it and enjoy everything.”

It was not as straightforward as the scoreline suggests.

Early nerves struck in a similar fashion to her last-16 tie and Raducanu had a wobble, being broken in her first service game and found herself 3-1 down.

But in what has become a trademark, Raducanu dug herself out of the tricky situation by finding her range, hitting the ball late and low, and moving her opponent around the court. She won five games in a row and took the first set 6-3.

“It took me some adjusting at the beginning to get used to her ball speed, how aggressive she was. Once I adjusted, I settled in,” she said afterwards.

Raducanu nullified Bencic’s serve, causing the 24-year-old to change her patterns and fall into double faults at big moments. Twice, she smashed her racquet into the floor in frustration.

Raducanu’s consistency was the key to her success, hitting 23 winners, while her opponent made 21 unforced errors.

The teenager from Bromley, who captured the British public’s attention with her sensational run to the fourth round of Wimbledon, had never played anyone ranked inside the world top 40 until Wednesday.

Bencic, a former US open semi-finalist who collected gold in the singles and silver in the doubles at the Tokyo Olympics this summer was seeded 11th in this year’s draw.

But Raducanu quickly found the measure of her. Hitting sessions with Andy Murray have helped her get used to the high ball speeds found at the top levels of women’s tennis.

In nearly all of the crunch points, it was Raducanu who prevailed - saving four break points and winning three.

She has also been boosted by the support of her coach, physio and agent, who fist pumped their way through the match.

“I have an amazing team with me here and a team back home who I’m staying in contact with,“ she said afterwards.

Her parents, Ian and Renee are in the UK, unable to watch in person because of travel restrictions, but Raducanu seems unfazed.

“I haven't actually called my parents for quite a while,” she said, smiling, with a knowing look that she probably should. “When we speak it's more just, because I have been away for so long now, they just really want to see how I am.

“I think right now I've just got such a great support team around me and a smaller tight-knit group of people that I really trust, and they are really helping me through these moments.”

When asked if she believes that she can win the whole tournament, Raducanu was coy, saying: “I have a hunger to win every single match I play, so I don't want to get ahead of myself at all, because I just like to take it one day at a time.

“If I take care of what I can control, then that's going to give me the best chance.

“Until now, I think it's worked very well for me not getting ahead of myself, just focusing on one point at a time. It's got me to this stage, and I'm not going to change anything.”

That includes her outfit.

“Honestly, I just really like the colour red, and out of all of the outfits, that was my favourite one,” she said, when asked why she has worn the same Nike gear all tournament.

“It's not the same set, to be clear,” she said, laughing.

As a semi-finalist, Raducanu will collect a cheque for $675,000. If she reaches the final, it’ll be at least $1.25 million.

As she departed the court to a standing ovation from the New York crowd, baking in the afternoon sun, Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ blared out of the speakers around the stadium.

For Raducanu, who will play either Karolina Pliskova or Maria Sakkari for a place in the final, the teenage dream continues.

As it happened

07:00 PM

Here's our very own Simon Briggs on a great performance

"British teenager keeps on undermining opponents mentally and physically, and leaving them looking haggard and confused ...No-one has come close to disturbing her extraordinary poise. Raducanu probably looked more nervous walking into her A-Level examinations at Newstead School than she did on Ashe this evening, as she dismantled the recent Olympic champion Belinda Bencic for the loss of just seven games: 6-3, 6-4."

READ: Aggression, accuracy, athleticism: you are never safe against Emma Raducanu


06:54 PM

Britain's great and good react


06:42 PM

Not bad for a rookie...


06:28 PM

How about this for a stat?!

Emma Raducanu is the first ever qualifier - man or woman - to make the US Open semi-finals. Thanks to the Tennis Podcast for that stunning statistic...


06:42 PM

Not bad for a rookie...


06:28 PM

How about this for a stat?!

Emma Raducanu is the first ever qualifier - man or woman - to make the US Open semi-finals. Thanks to the Tennis Podcast for that stunning statistic...


06:28 PM

How about this for a stat?!

Emma Raducanu is the first ever qualifier - man or woman - to make the US Open semi-finals. Thanks to the Tennis Podcast for that stunning statistic...


06:28 PM

How's about this for a stat?!

Emma Raducanu is the first ever qualifier - man or woman - to make the US Open semi-finals. Thanks to the Tennis Podcast for that stunning statistic...


06:22 PM

What a good omen


06:21 PM

You better believe it!


06:10 PM

What a list to join!

Women to reach the US Open semi-final on debut

Bianca Andreeescu - 2019 - Champion
Venus Williams - 1997 - Finalist
Pam Shriver - 1978 - Finalist
Chris Evert - 1971 - Semi-Final


05:52 PM

Raducanu proves her forehand is now a match-winning weapon, by Simon Briggs

In the end, Bencic’s faultlines were ruthlessly exposed. Raducanu returned her favourite serves brilliantly, forcing her to change her patterns and thus fall into double-faults at big moments. And then there was the forehand battle, which was thoroughly one-sided.

Raducanu’s forehand didn’t stand out as one of the best parts of the game at Wimbledon, but on this American trip she has developed it into an armour-piercing weapon. Imagine how exciting that must be. She might has well have been bitten by a radioactive spider, so sudden has her transformation been.

Bencic’s forehand can be flaky, and here it simply quit on her. With a 0-30 advantage in Raducanu’s penultimate service game, she couldn’t put the ball in court. Then the same thing happened again as Raducanu stepped up to serve out for victory. Again 0-30, again a terrible forehand return flying long. Bencic tried a slice on the next forehand return, but it was so short and feeble that Raducanu simply took a couple of steps forward and swept it away for a clean winner.

In these late stages, Raducanu directed every shot to Bencic’s disintegrating forehand. She is not just a supreme athlete, but a natural match-player to boot.


05:45 PM

Raducanu speaks...

On beating Bencic and making it to the last four...

“Belinda is such a great opponent, her ball speed caught me off guard and I had to adjust. I am just so happy to get through.”

On her serve...

“I was 0-30 in last couple of service games so I was trying to focus on just landing the first serve…I am so pleased to come through that.”

On how she's done it...

“I have an amazing team with me, and a team back home.”


05:39 PM

RADUCANU WINS THE MATCH 6-3, 6-4

At 0-30 down it looked as though possible nerves were entering into Raducanu’s game. But as if to prove it’s now utterly silly to doubt the 18 year old she reels off four points in a row and IS IN THE SEMI-FINALS.

That was some performance - she dominated the Olympic champion and world No.12.


05:35 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 5-4 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Tenacity allied to great groundstrokes earn Raducanu a 15-0 lead. More errors from Bencic, partly down to the extra pace Raducanu is imparting on the ball, get it to 15-30 and the Swiss is again under pressure on her serve. But she gets it to 30-30 and a backhand into the net (an aggressive stroke) means Bencic has a service point and from there she holds.

Raducanu will now serve for a place in the semi-finals.


05:31 PM

Raducanu 6-3, 5-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

At 0-30 down the Briton is under pressure but two absolute gifts from Bencic - wayward groundstrokes - gets it back to 30-30. From there on Raducanu makes no mistake and Bencic is now serving to stay in the match. WOW…


05:27 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 4-3 Bencic (*denotes next server)

It’s now about handling the moment for Raducanu now - Bencic is losing composure and at 30-30 dishes up a double fault and it’s another break point for Raducanu. Win the next point and Raducanu will serve for the match. Alas, Bencic comes into the net and plays the best volley of the match so far to get it to deuce. Another bit of brilliance at the net from Bencic gives her the advantage and a drive-backhand winner gives the Swiss the game - that was a huge hold.


05:22 PM

Raducanu 6-3, 4-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

Raducanu is moving around well and dominating the recent rallies - she comes into the net and drives a backhand winner for 15-0. That’s soon 40-0, but when it looks as though Bencic doesn’t have a response to this mature masterclass from British tennis’ new hero she wins the next two points and Raducanu is under pressure. Can she hold the Swiss off? Yes she can. Another step closer to the semis.


05:18 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 3-2 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Raducanu has a glimpse of a break at 15-30 - one she doesn’t pass up as a brilliant return gifts her two break points. A double fault gives Raducanu the break and the fairy tale in New York, for now, continues for the 18 year old.


05:15 PM

Raducanu 6-3, 2-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

The Briton races to 30-0 lead. A fine forehand from Bencic gets it 15-30 (she is a good ball-striker) and an even better one gets her to parity at 30-30. But from there Raducanu holds - she’s got everything a great game allied to guts.


05:09 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 1-2 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Great hold to love from Bencic in double quick time.


05:07 PM

Raducanu 6-3, 1-1 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

The tables look to be turning at the start of this set - Bencic capitalises on a couple of errors and races to a 15-40 lead and two break points. Raducanu saves the first with a good forehand, another - a winner down the line, saves the second. Raducanu then shows guts to hold. Big game for the Briton there.


05:03 PM

Simon Briggs on that first set

The Raducanu trademark is back. From 3-1 down in the first set, she produced one of her patented winning streaks, reeling off five straight games to win the set.

This comes on the heels of a run of 11 straight games against Shelby Rogers in the fourth round, and another run of 11 straight games against Sara Torribes Tormo in the third.

The reason she can do it so regularly is that her returns combine aggression with accuracy, so that her opponent’s service games are all great opportunities for her.

She has not yet faced an elite-level server, admittedly. But for someone like Bencic, whose serve is not her strength, it is alarming to see so many balls flying back at speed. She had landed two-thirds of her first serves in the tournament to date, but today that figure has dropped to just 52 per cent.


05:02 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 0-1 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Bencic only had seven break points against her coming into the match. She’s down early on again as Raducanu races into 15-30 lead. The Briton has a chance to earn two break points but with half the court open she hits to Bencic’s backhand and the Swiss plays a glorious winner. From there she holds to 30. That’s a big hold for the world No.12.


05:02 PM

Raducanu* 6-3, 0-1 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Bencic only had seven break points against her coming into the match. She’s down early on again as Raducanu races into 15-30 lead. The Briton has a chance to earn two break points but with half the court open she hits to Bencic’s backhand and the Swiss plays a glorious winner. From there she holds to 30. That’s a big hold for the world No.12.


04:59 PM

RADUCANU WINS THE FIRST SET 6-3

What a set, what a player. In a tournament of great set that’s arguably the best of the lot. She was 3-1 down and takes it 6-3. Did we say she’s the real deal?


04:49 PM

Raducanu* 5-3 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Wonderful tennis from Raducanu - she changes the direction of the rally with another fine backhand and goes 0-15 up. Bencic also has a tasty backhand, though, and unleashes two in a row to get to 30-15. A faulty forehand into the net from the Swiss makes it 30-30. Raducanu has a break point but an unreturnable Bencic serve makes it deuce. We then see the best point of the match so far in which a long rally ends with a stunning winner down the line from Raducanu. Another forehand winner gives the Briton the break and she’ll now serve for the set.

What a turnaround from 3-1 down, since then she’s been the better player - more consistent, more aggressive.


04:49 PM

Raducanu* 5-3 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Wonderful tennis from Raducanu - she changes the direction of the rally with another fine backhand and goes 0-15 up. Bencic also has a tasty backhand, though, and unleashes two in a row to get to 30-15. A faulty forehand into the net from the Swiss makes it 30-30. Raducanu has a break point but an unreturnable Bencic serve makes it deuce. We then see the best point of the match so far in which a long rally ends with a stunning winner down the line from Raducanu. Another forehand winner gives the Briton the break and she’ll now serve for the set.

What a turnaround from 3-1 down, since then she’s been the better player - more consistent, more aggressive.


04:42 PM

Raducanu 4-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

At 0-30 Raducanu is under pressure on her serve. But a fine first serve at the forehand of Bencic gives her the angle to unleash brilliant crosscourt backhand winner - her third point in a row. The Briton then makes it four in a row and is now is front for the first time.


04:39 PM

Raducanu* 3-3 Bencic (*denotes next server)

A third Raducanu forehand winner (to Bencic’s none) gives her the early 0-15 advantage. From there on her ball-striking gets better and better, matching Bencic shot for shot - she has her first break point BUT too eager to take the opportunity an error gets it back to deuce. A double fault from Bencic gives Raducanu her second break point and a backhand into the net from the Swiss means we’re now all square. Raducanu is now definitely in the match and any early nerves are long gone.


04:35 PM

From Simon Briggs, our tennis correspondent

One of the questions in the build-up surrounded Bencic's state of mind. Would she feel anxious about being the favourite? Would she feel intimidated by her opponent's youth?

The answer, in both cases, was a resounding "No". Bencic came out striking the ball sweetly. Her first unforced error, a backhand up the line that flew long, didn't arrive until the 23rd point. Raducanu has been comparatively loose to date, running up seven UEs to go with five winners. But she looks to be settling into the match after some early nerves.


04:31 PM

Raducanu 2-3 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

That’s more like it - Raducanu bosses that game. Her first serves were better and she holds to love. That’s the first time this match the 18 year old has been in control for any amount of time.

She now has to make Bencic play more shots on the Swiss' service game.


04:28 PM

Raducanu* 1-3 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Raducanu hasn’t been able to get into this match so far, two backhand error hint that she’s perhaps pushing too much. Another wide backhand gifts the Swiss a 40-0 advantage from there she makes no mistake and wins to love with a drive volley.


04:24 PM

Raducanu 1-2 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

Better from Raducanu, when she gets her first serves in she able to use her athleticism and groundstrokes to control the rallies. A fine crosscourt backhand gets her 40-0. From there, however, Bencic plays two fine backhand winners for 40-30. The 18 year old then holds thanks to a wayward forehand from the Swiss - that game should give her confidence and settle a few early nerves.


04:21 PM

Raducanu* 0-2 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Bencic dishes up a big second serve of 90+ mph, for a 15-0 start. But then Raducanu shows off her ever-improving forehand hitting a masterful winner down the line for 15-15. The Swiss stays in two rallies forcing errors and has two service points at 40-15. Another error, a forehand into the net, from Raducanu makes it 2-0 to Bencic.


04:21 PM

Raducanu* 0-2 Bencic (*denotes next server)

Bencic dishes up a big second serve of 90+ mph, for a 15-0 start. But then Raducanu shows off her ever-improving forehand hitting a masterful winner down the line for 15-15. The Swiss stays in two rallies forcing errors and has two service points at 40-15. Another error, a forehand into the net, from Raducanu makes it 2-0 to Bencic.


04:16 PM

Raducanu 0-1 Bencic* (*denotes next server)

The Briton starts with a fault followed by a long backhand. Bencic then returns well and a long forehand this time from Raducanu gives Bencic the early 0-30 lead. Another fine return forces the error and it’s three break points for the world No.12. The first is saved with an ace down the line, but Raducanu’s serve isn’t on the money yet and Bencic has the early break.


04:13 PM

Raducanu will serve first

Let play begin...


04:13 PM

Raducanu will serve first

Let play begin...


04:07 PM

The players are out on court

The sun is shining on Arthur Ashe court, one which Bencic hasn't played on yet.


04:03 PM

It's nearly time...

Who do you think will win? Can Raducanu continue her remarkable run and make the semis? We're about to find out...


04:02 PM

Last bit of advice from Andy Murray

"Her attitude is fantastic, she works well and trains hard. I am sure she'll continue on the right path, it's very exciting for British tennis."


03:52 PM

Andy Murray speaks...

On what he’s made of Raducanu’s run…

“I think what [Raducanu’s] done so far is incredible the ease with which she’s won has been surprising for everyone.”

On today’s opponent…

“Bencic is playing well and with confidence after the Olympics. But her results up until the Olympics they have not been that impressive especially in the Slams."

On the possible outcome…

“It’s a tough match but Bencic is beatable.”


03:52 PM

Andy Murray speaks...

On what he’s made of Raducanu’s run…

“I think what [Raducanu’s] done so far is incredible the ease with which she’s won has been surprising for everyone.”

On today’s opponent…

“Bencic is playing well and with conduce after the Olympics. But her results up until the Olympics they have not been that impressive especially in the Slams."

On the possible outcome…

“It’s a tough match but Bencic is beatable.”


03:47 PM

Tim Henman backing Raducanu...

Our US correspondent, Jamie Johnson, has this update:

Tim Henman believes that Emma Raducanu stands a real chance of winning if she can keep the scores close at the beginning of her match.

The former British number one was courtside as the 18-year-old warmed up this morning and told the Telegraph: “She’s the underdog no doubt. Bencic is Olympic champion and has a lot of great results, but it is an opportunity and she’s playing very very well.

“We have seen what some of these 18-year-olds have done in this tournament and there is a lot of pressure on Bencic.

“I think if Emma can keep it close early on then she’s definitely got a good chance.”

Raducanu had an early wobble in her last match on this court against Shelby Rogers, being broken in her first service game and saving two break points to avoid going 3-0 down.

But she channeled the crowd’s energy and support, turning the shaky start into a remarkably comfortable 6-2, 6-1 victory.


03:40 PM

Raducanu speaks to Amazon Prime Sport

On her run…

“I am in my third week of a tournament which is unheard of for me.”

On whether she does a lot of pre-match planning…

“Honestly I have been doing less and less - they don’t have weaknesses here so you just have to play your game really well.”

On today’s opponent Belinda Bencic…

“She’s going to make you run and get the ball past you. I need to try dictate the game and play well to beat her.”


03:32 PM

'She's the real deal'

'For sure she's the real deal'.

That's none other than Billie Jean King talking about Emma Raducanu.

"We've got give her time and space, sh'e still in the development stage, [but] there's no reason she cannot win here."


03:28 PM

The moment Raducanu made it to the quarters


03:24 PM

What a run in New York

Maths isn't my strongest suit but I make it that from qualifying onwards Raducanu has lost just 31 games in seven matches...


03:20 PM

Here are a few eye-catching stats

  • She’s lost just four games over the past two matches against two top 50 players - remarkable.
  • She the youngest British US Open quarter finalist in 62 years
  • She’s only the third qualifier to reach the US Open last eight in the Open era
  • She’s the youngest British Grand Slam quarter finalist since Sue Barker in 1975

03:13 PM

So how does an 18 year old...

...take the tennis world by storm in barely three months? I'm sure many of you are wanting to know the secrets behind Raducanu's rapid rise, and, as luck would have it, Boris Starling has written this great piece revealing how the young Briton has made a huge name for herself on the way to today's US Open quarter-final.

READ: The behind-the-scenes secrets that set Emma Raducanu on the road to tennis superstardom

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu

02:56 PM

View from New York

Our US correspondent, Jamie Johnson, has been watching Raducanu in practice this morning and has this update:

Raducanu was all smiles as she warmed up in the Arthur Ashe stadium this morning, but did not exchange a single word with her opponent, Belinda Bencic, when the Olympic champion arrived on court.

The 18-year-old Briton and her coach Andrew Richardson focused on deep ground strokes from behind the baseline for most of her half hour session.

Raducanu’s superb ball control saw her only hit the net twice during the entire time she was on court, and it was her, rather than her coach, who appeared to be deciding what shots and scenarios she wanted to practice.

Ten minutes before the session ended, Bencic arrived on court with her boyfriend and fitness coach Martin Hromkovic.

Bencic kept a watchful eye over Raducanu, but the 18-year-old was not flustered.

As the clock hit 10am and Raducanu’s session ended Bencic was already stood on the tramlines, jumping up and down like an eager substitute.

In the stands, Tim Henman told the Telegraph that these were not mind games, but in any case, Raducanu grabbed a water bottle, sat down and started watching her opponent while laughing away with members of her team.

She departed the near-empty court knowing that when she steps back out at 12pm (5pm UK) she will have more than 20,000 people cheering her on.


02:45 PM

A star well and truly on the rise

It's remarkable to think that at the end of 2018, a 15-year-old Raducanu stood at a world ranking of 692.

By the end of the following year, she had climbed to 503 and was ranked 343 in the world at the end of 2020.

Following her run to the fourth round of Wimbledon, she leapt to 179 and currently stands at 150. Her exploits in New York have guaranteed she will rise to at least 74 when the rankings are next updated.

Incredibly, victory over Bencic today could see her overtake Johanna Konta and Heather Watson to become British No 1. And to think a little under three months, Raducanu's name was not widely known outside of the National Tennis Centre.

Raducanu could become British No 1 with one more win in New York - Getty Images
Raducanu could become British No 1 with one more win in New York - Getty Images

02:36 PM

Raducanu: I was a shy little girl

Raducanu's affable and articulate disposition have been widely praised since the teenager's arrival on the tennis scene, but it's a long way from the 'shy girl' she was growing up.

In an interview with Vogue magazine, the 18-year-old opened up on how the sport has changed her.

“I was a very shy little girl who didn’t talk much at all,” she said. “And through playing sport, and having to be bold on the court and fearless and fight, it’s given me inner strength. If you have that then you can really achieve whatever you want.”

Read more here.

Raducanu says sport has given her 'inner strength'
Raducanu says sport has given her 'inner strength'

02:29 PM

Today's opponent, a cautionary tale

By Simon Briggs

Belinda Bencic should be able to guess how Emma Raducanu might feel, going into Wednesday’s US Open quarter-final. She stood in a very similar position seven years ago.

In 2014, a 16-year-old Bencic came through qualifying at the Australian Open. Kimiko Date Krumm, the experienced Japanese player, succumbed to her in the first round proper and grumbled: “She didn’t look like a high-school girl.”

Later that season, Bencic – having turned 17 – reached the quarter-finals of the US Open. But it is only now that she has fulfilled her potential with a first significant title. Not a major yet, but the Olympic gold medal from Tokyo’s singles event.

“I think maybe the success I had very early made people think now it had to go very easy,” Bencic said. “It’s not like that. Everyone has their own time. Some people do it earlier, some people later, some people never, some people always. The most important [thing] is to be happy with yourself.”

Belinda Bencic was herself a teen prodigy - AFP
Belinda Bencic was herself a teen prodigy - AFP

Bencic’s story offers a cautionary tale for those who assume that Raducanu is on an irresistible upward trajectory. In her late teens, Bencic was held back by a series of chronic injuries. First she developed wrist trouble, of the alarming kind that effectively killed off Laura Robson’s career, and then a stress fracture of the foot. Once she had fully recuperated, she was too good not to surge back to form.

Bencic can belt the ball with the best of them, but she also has a nice line in touch shots and an unusual aptitude for disguise. If anything, her main weakness has been temperamental – a tendency to flake out under intense pressure.

Will Bencic be able to keep her head together against Raducanu? That is surely the key to the outcome. As long as she feels safe and comfortable, her experience should carry her through. But she is 24 now, and it is disconcerting to come up against an 18-year-old you have never played before.

Here is Raducanu’s greatest weapon: not her serve, nor her forehand, but her sense of unfamiliarity. Thus far, each of her main-draw opponents has quailed in the face of her uncanny poise. Not one of them has put up a fight. Raducanu is surfing a wave of novelty.