**Emma Raducanu**, the 2021 US Open champion, received a powerful endorsement from tennis icon **Billie Jean King** following her 6-1, 6-2 third-round defeat to **Elena Rybakina** at the **US Open 2025** on August 29, 2025, at Flushing Meadows. Raducanu, who spoke candidly about having a “target on her back” from top players who elevate their game against her, was praised by King for her resilience and potential ahead of the **Billie Jean King Cup Finals** in Shenzhen, China, starting September 18, 2025. King highlighted Raducanu’s articulate nature and injury-free status, saying, “I think we’re really lucky to have her… She’s playing very well and the main thing is she’s injury-free” (The Independent, August 30, 2025). This article delves into King’s supportive message, Raducanu’s comments on rival pressure, her US Open performance, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow her next steps, as of 7:08 PM WAT, Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Billie Jean King’s Encouragement
After Raducanu’s swift exit to Rybakina, Billie Jean King, the namesake of the Billie Jean King Cup, expressed confidence in the 22-year-old’s ability to shine in China, where she’ll lead Great Britain against Japan in the quarterfinals. King emphasized Raducanu’s connection to the host nation through her mother’s Chinese heritage, stating, “I think it’s huge that you can speak the language of wherever you are. Raducanu is very articulate as well, she’s very good at getting up and speaking, covering a lot of subjects” (The Mirror, August 30, 2025). She added, “I think we’re really lucky to have her but she likes it, she likes playing for her country. If I were her, I’d be pretty excited” (Gazette Series, August 30, 2025).
King’s comments were particularly significant given Raducanu’s 2023 injury struggles, which included wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for months (Tennis365.com, November 15, 2024). “She’s playing very well and the main thing is she’s injury-free, her body’s healthy again,” King noted, signaling optimism for Raducanu’s upcoming Billie Jean King Cup campaign and the Asian swing (The Independent, August 30, 2025). Her endorsement came as a morale boost, especially as Raducanu navigates the pressure of being a former champion targeted by top players.
Raducanu’s Claim: A Target on Her Back
In her post-match press conference, Raducanu reflected on the intensity of facing elite opponents, saying, “Yeah, big time. I think when the very top play against me, they have a point to prove that they’re at the top for a reason” (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025). She highlighted losses to **Iga Swiatek** (twice), **Aryna Sabalenka**, and Rybakina in 2025, noting, “Every time I’ve played one of them they’ve shown that… I’ll take that as a compliment that they’ve decided to really lock in against me” (The Mirror, August 30, 2025). Despite the 62-minute defeat, Raducanu remained focused on her progress, stating, “I think you take a few steps forward, one step back, but I think overall I’m working and building towards good things” (Runcorn and Widnes World, August 30, 2025).
Her comments resonated with analysts and fans alike. Former British No. 1 **Tim Henman** called the Rybakina loss a “reality check” but praised her summer form, saying, “There’s been a lot of positives this hard-court season” (Sky Sports, August 30, 2025). Former Wimbledon champion **Marion Bartoli** echoed this, noting, “What is very positive is she has been starting her American swing back all the way in Washington, played non-stop without getting an injury” (The Independent, August 30, 2025). On X, fans supported her perspective, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Emma’s right—top players bring their A-game against her. It’s a compliment, but tough!” (August 30, 2025).
US Open 2025: Raducanu’s Performance
Raducanu entered the US Open with high hopes, calling it her “happy place” after dominant wins over **Ena Shibahara** (6-1, 6-2) and **Janice Tjen** (6-3, 6-2) to reach the third round (@BBCSport, August 27, 2025). Her 8-0 record in red at the US Open underscored her comfort at Flushing Meadows, but Rybakina’s 24 winners and relentless pressure ended her run in the fastest Grand Slam defeat of her career (The Mirror, August 30, 2025). The loss marked her fourth straight Grand Slam exit against a top player, following defeats to Swiatek and Sabalenka earlier in 2025 (Epping Forest Guardian, August 30, 2025).
Despite the setback, Raducanu’s summer showed significant progress. She reached the Washington quarterfinals, qualified for Cincinnati, and climbed to No. 50 in the WTA rankings, with few points to defend in the coming months (Tennis.com, August 26, 2025). Her partnership with new coach **Francisco Roig**, started three weeks prior, has been “pretty successful,” with Raducanu noting “good improvements” (Hillingdon Times, August 30, 2025). She expressed excitement for the Asian swing, saying, “I’ve never really played an Asia swing, so I hope this year I’ll be able to” (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025).
Fan and Media Reactions
King’s support and Raducanu’s candid remarks sparked widespread discussion. On X, @DjokerFan tweeted, “Billie Jean King backing Emma is huge. She’ll come back stronger in China!” (August 30, 2025). The Guardian noted, “Raducanu’s resilience is clear, but the gap to the elite remains stark” (The Guardian, August 30, 2025). Fans empathized with her challenges, with @TennisLover writing, “Emma’s got the heart, but facing Rybakina, Swiatek, and Sabalenka in slams is brutal” (August 30, 2025). Others praised her mindset, with @WTAFanatic tweeting, “Love how Emma sees it as a compliment. She’s got the right attitude” (August 30, 2025).
