When Emma Raducanu found out she was scheduled to play one of the first matches on the US Open’s new Sunday start, it brought a bit of added pressure.
The British number one went into the meeting with Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara having not won a match at Flushing Meadows since her memorable 2021 title triumph.
Despite a few morning nerves, Raducanu needed only 62 minutes to secure a 6-1 6-2 victory and register the quickest Grand Slam main-draw victory of her career.
“When I saw the Sunday schedule, I thought first day, first match at 11am – you don’t want to be out of the tournament by 12:30pm on a Sunday,” Raducanu, ranked 35th in the world, told BBC Sport.
“That definitely was on my mind.
“At the same time, if it goes well you get the afternoon off, which is really nice before your day off in between matches.
“I’m pleased I can enjoy the rest of my day and celebrate the win.”
Raducanu returns to match action on Wednesday when she faces Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen.