Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, credited chiropractor Dr. Jerome Poupel for his pivotal role in managing her chronic back issues following her clinical 6-1, 6-2 first-round victory over Ena Shibahara at the 2025 US Open on August 24. Speaking to Tennis365, Raducanu highlighted Poupel’s unique expertise, gained from working with Formula 1 drivers and horses, as a key factor in her physical resilience, marking her first Flushing Meadows win since her historic 2021 title.
Poupel’s Impact on Raducanu’s Recovery
Raducanu, who battled back spasms during the 2024 clay and grass seasons, described Poupel’s year-long support as transformative. “He’s been helping me for the last year. I’ve had back problems, so he’s really helped with that,” she said. “As I’ve been playing more tennis and training more, it’s important to stay on top of that” (web:0). Poupel, who has treated F1 drivers like David Coulthard and jockey Tony McCoy, brings a distinctive approach, with Raducanu noting, “He’s worked with horses, which is very different. He’s a great calm but eccentric character” (web:0). His presence in her player box alongside coach Francisco Roig during the 62-minute Shibahara match underscored his importance.
Clinical US Open Performance
Raducanu’s first-round win, her fastest Grand Slam main-draw victory, saw her dispatch world No. 130 Shibahara with 22 winners and only six unforced errors, breaking a four-year US Open winless streak after early exits in 2022 and 2024 and a 2023 absence due to surgeries (web:7). She expressed relief, stating, “It’s a massive hurdle to get over, getting that first win here again” (BBC Sport, August 24, 2025). Her improved movement, bolstered by Poupel’s chiropractic care, sets her up for a second-round clash with Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, with potential matchups against Veronika Kudermetova and Aryna Sabalenka looming (web:6).
Broader Context
Raducanu’s reliance on Poupel mirrors the innovative support systems of peers like Coco Gauff, adapting with new coaches, or Luke Littler, thriving under darts pressure. Fans on X celebrated her progress, with one post noting, “Emma’s back with Poupel’s magic touch! Ready for a deep run” (@RaducanuFan, August 24, 2025) (post:2). Poupel’s expertise with high-performance athletes, including reaction-time training, aligns with Raducanu’s goal to sharpen her court reflexes. As she aims to recreate her 2021 US Open magic, Poupel’s role highlights her commitment to overcoming physical challenges in 2025.
