The second-round encounter between Emma Raducanu and Janice Tjen was a clear demonstration of the difference that experience makes. Raducanu, a former champion, was a class apart, using her big-match savvy to dismantle the rising qualifier 6-2, 6-1 at the US Open.
Tjen, despite her incredible recent form, was playing in only her second main-draw Grand Slam match. The bright lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium and the presence of a champion across the net proved to be an overwhelming combination. She was unable to produce the free-flowing tennis that got her there.
In contrast, Raducanu looked completely at home. Having been on this stage many times before, she was unfazed by the occasion. She managed the match with the cool head of a veteran, controlling the key moments and never giving her less-experienced opponent a glimmer of hope.
This victory was a testament to the value of having “been there, done that.” While Tjen gained invaluable experience, Raducanu showed that there is no substitute for it. Her poise and professionalism, honed through years on the tour, were as crucial to the win as her powerful groundstrokes.