Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara US Open 2025: Live Broadcast and Commentary Details

The highly anticipated Women's Singles first-round match between Emma Raducanu and Ena Shibahara at the 2025 US Open is set for Sunday, 24 August 2025, with play scheduled for 16:00 UK time (11:00 local New York time) at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Flushing Meadows. For British audiences, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live with on-site reporting by Russell Fuller. Sky Sports Tennis will also cover the match live, featuring an expert panel including presenter Gigi Salmon alongside former pros Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Laura Robson, and Marion Bartoli. Globally, the World Feed provides commentary by Lee Goodall with co-commentator Chanda Rubin, offering expert insights to international viewers.

BBC Radio 5 Live is renowned for offering detailed and immersive live commentary, and Russell Fuller is a respected sports broadcaster with extensive tennis coverage experience. On Sky Sports, Gigi Salmon is a well-established tennis presenter known for her clear and engaging coverage, complemented by Tim Henman, a former British No. 1 and Wimbledon semi-finalist, whose expert tactical analysis is highly valued. The legendary Martina Navratilova brings a wealth of Grand Slam-winning experience, while British tennis stars Laura Robson and Marion Bartoli add depth with their professional playing perspectives. This blend of presenters and pundits ensures comprehensive and insightful coverage for viewers and listeners across the UK and beyond.

Player Background and Preview

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is returning to the tournament with renewed confidence and a strong summer form after notable performances in Washington DC and Cincinnati this year, where she notably challenged World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu, currently the British No. 1, has recently brought on Francisco Roig, former coach of Rafael Nadal, as part of her team, aiming to reach new heights in her career. Despite a couple of early US Open exits in recent years, Raducanu is viewed as a favourite to progress deep into the tournament given her pedigree and momentum.

Her opponent, Ena Shibahara, though ranked around world No. 130 in singles, is primarily recognised for her success in doubles, achieving a career-high doubles ranking of No. 4 and Grand Slam victories in doubles events. At 27, Shibahara is more experienced on court but has limited singles achievements, with her best singles titles coming at ITF level. She has qualified for the US Open main draw for the second straight year and is keen to make a mark on the singles stage. Raducanu leads their only prior meeting from the 2024 Nottingham Open, winning in straight sets, although that was on grass; this will be their first hard-court encounter.

Where to Watch and Listen

• BBC Radio 5 Live: Live radio commentary with Russell Fuller, ideal for audiences wanting on-the-go detailed live updates.
• Sky Sports Tennis: Sky viewers can watch the live television broadcast, hosted by Gigi Salmon with expert commentary from Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Laura Robson, and Marion Bartoli. Sky Sports Tennis holds the UK pay-TV rights for the US Open, offering in-depth analysis and coverage throughout the tournament.
• World Feed: International viewers can access the event with commentators Lee Goodall and former top-10 player Chanda Rubin, a fixture of global tennis broadcasts providing a balanced, experienced perspective.

Background on Key Presenters and Pundits

Gigi Salmon is an experienced tennis presenter with Sky Sports, known for her smooth delivery and in-depth interviewing skills. Tim Henman, a former British No. 1 and four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, is celebrated for his precise tactical analysis from a player's viewpoint. Martina Navratilova, one of tennis’s all-time greats, brings unrivalled Grand Slam success with 18 major singles titles and extensive broadcasting experience. Laura Robson and Marion Bartoli are former WTA tour players whose recent transition to punditry adds current playing insights and technical commentary to the broadcasts.

Additional Resources

For more about Emma Raducanu’s journey and profiles on her coaching team, visit the WTA official player profile. Background on Ena Shibahara's notable doubles career can be found at the ITF Tennis site. Further information on the US Open broadcast rights and scheduling on Sky Sports is available at Sky Sports Tennis.