Happy to the core in Big Apple

MMA RADUCANU has claimed she is back in her "happy place" at the US Open and playing her best tennis since her 2021 triumph here.

- By Neil McLeman

The British No.1 has not won a match in New York since her historic win and left in tears last year, admitting: "I feel down, I feel sad".

But fast-forward 12 months, she bounced into her pre-tournament press conference with a beaming smile and declared: "I feel good, I feel relaxed, I feel happy." The contrast is as striking as her improved serve.

Raducanu's instant fame was followed by stalkers, injury issues and a continued churn in her coaches.

She arrived at Flushing Meadows last year seriously undercooked after skipping the Olympics and playing only one warm-up event. Now, after a solid grass-court season, she has played three tournaments with new Spanish coach Francis Roig before the final Grand Slam of 2025.