Emma Raducanu’s 6-2, 6-1 win over Janice Tjen was a perfect study in control. From the first serve to the final handshake, the British star never once ceded command of the match, dictating every aspect of play with the authority of a Grand Slam champion.
Her control started with the tempo. By serving powerfully and taking returns early, she played the match at a high pace that Tjen could not match. This prevented the Indonesian from using her crafty slices and spins to slow things down and disrupt Raducanu’s rhythm.
She also controlled the court’s geography. Raducanu owned the baseline, forcing Tjen into defensive positions far behind it. By pinning her opponent in the backhand corner, she controlled the patterns of play, repeatedly creating opportunities to attack Tjen’s weaker side.
This was a masterful display of on-court management. Raducanu was the conductor, and Tjen was a member of the orchestra, forced to play to the champion’s tune. This ability to maintain absolute control will be vital as she faces opponents who will fight much harder to seize it.