The 19-year-old won against Louisa Chirico 6-4 6-2 in a match that lasted only 87 minutes.
“It definitely feels really good to get a win here in DC,” said Raducanu.
“After not playing for quite a bit after Wimbledon or many matches at all this year, I think it’s a really nice feeling just to get on the board.” She will next face current World No.10, Camilla Osorio, in the second round.
Raducanu has not had an outstanding Grand Slam finish since her 2021 US Open win. She only made it to the second round of both the Australian Open and the French Open.
Meanwhile, Daniel Evans manages to secure a match in the third round by winning against Kyle Edmund 6-1 6-2.
“My focus was very good,” said 32-year-old Evans. “It’s always nice to start a new swing off with a win and it’s nice to be through to the third round.” Evans will next face either Taylor Fritz or Alexei Popyrin.
Andrey Rublev also advances. He won against Jack Draper 6-4 6-2. Nick Kyrgios also moves forward. The Wimbledon runner-up made it past Marcos Giron of America 6-3 6-2.
Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka defeated Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic and will next face Coco Gauff. “What’s always impressed me about Coco is her mentality,” said Osaka, 24.
“She’s improving every year, so I think there’s a lot that she’s learning and it’s only a matter of time before she wins a Slam.”
American Gauff defeated Anhelina Kalinina from Ukraine 6-1 6-0.