‘He’s stacked it’ – Emma Raducanu’s US Open win stopped after cameraman falls over hoardings

Emma Raducanu is into the US Open second round for the first time since 2021 – but was made to wait following a bizarre moment during the match.

The 22-year-old eased past Ena Shibahara in their opening round encounter as she won 6-1, 6-2 in just an hour and two minutes.

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Raducanu’s victory was her first at Flushing Meadows since she triumphed in New York four years ago.

While it seemed to be a straightforward win for the British star, the match wasn’t without a notable incident.

Serving early in the first set, the world No.36 had to hold fire after a cameraman tumbled over on court.

The male individual tripped over the advertising hoarding inside the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

It led to his colleagues immediately rushing to his aide as the cameraman looked to get back into position following the changeover in serve.

London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Laura Robson was quick to comment on the incident on Sky Sports commentary.

She said: “I think he’s stacked it.

“They’ve got to hustle fast to that photography position.”

Robson’s co-commentator Jonathan Overend replied: “Don’t try anything too ambitious!

“I think might be the moral of that story, he tried to go and take a shortcut, didn’t go well for him.”

Not known, clear with picture desk

Not known, clear with picture desk

After the cameraman got back over the hoarding, the fans in attendance roared and clapped, with Raducanu patiently waiting for the match to resume.

Once the match got back underway, Raducanu dispatched her opponent with ease, with the one-time Grand Slam champion hitting just six unforced errors in the match.

She will now face either No.24 seed Veronika Kudermetova or qualifier Janice Tjen in the next round.

What did Emma Raducanu say after winning her first US Open match since 2021?

Speaking after the match, a delighted Raducanu said: “Of course I’m very, very pleased with that match.

“It’s my first win here since 2021. I’m just so happy with the way I came through that.

“I’m just very pleased with how I managed myself, managed my game through that match.”

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Raducanu added: “I’m very happy. I’ve got amazing people in my corner over there. I want to thank them

“It makes every day of the work feel a lot more enjoyable, pleasurable and I see the progress I’m making on the practice court.

“It might not come straight away but I know over time I’m just racking up good days, building and I feel like it has to go somewhere.”