In a thrilling clash of former US Open champions, Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2025. The 22-year-old Briton showcased her tactical brilliance and steely determination, securing her place in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event for the third consecutive year. This victory marks a significant milestone in Raducanu’s resurgence, as she continues to rebuild her career after battling injuries and a rankings slide in recent seasons.
The highly anticipated matchup, the first-ever meeting between the two Grand Slam titlists, lived up to its billing as a showcase of contrasting styles. Raducanu, ranked World No. 46, leaned on her exceptional movement, defensive grit, and precise serving to neutralize Osaka’s renowned power game. Osaka, a four-time major champion and former World No. 1, struggled to find her rhythm on the hard courts of the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, where the fast conditions typically favor her aggressive style. Despite flashes of her signature firepower, Osaka’s performance was marred by seven double faults and 38 unforced errors, particularly from her backhand side.
Raducanu seized control early in the first set, capitalizing on a critical double fault from Osaka to break serve at 3-2. She consolidated the break with a confident love hold, maintaining a two-game lead. Osaka’s long forehand handed Raducanu the first set in just 38 minutes, setting the tone for the match. The second set followed a similar script, with Raducanu breaking early to establish a 3-1 lead. She fended off a break point with a well-placed forehand, aided by a fortunate net cord, and later secured another break on yet another Osaka double fault. Serving for the match, Raducanu faced a final break point but clinched victory with a service winner, converting her third match point to seal the 6-2 set.
Reflecting on her performance, Raducanu expressed both relief and pride in her post-match interview. “I thought it was going to be a really difficult match,” she admitted. “Naomi has won four Slams, been world No. 1, she’s so dangerous, and on the hard courts, I think she is particularly comfortable. So I knew I would have to play really well and manage my service games, which I am really proud of how I did.” Her tactical approach was evident in her aggressive second serves, a risky but effective strategy to avoid giving Osaka easy opportunities. “If you float the second serve, Naomi will crunch it, and you’ll be behind in the point,” Raducanu noted. “I had to trust my abilities on the second serve, and I went for it, and I think there was just the one double fault at the end.”
Raducanu’s serving was a standout feature, with 68% of first serves in and 74% of first-serve points won. She also converted 11 of 18 second-serve points, a stark contrast to Osaka’s struggles, where the Japanese star won just 9 of 28 second-serve points. Raducanu’s ability to turn defense into offense frustrated Osaka, who managed only 19 winners against her high error count. The Briton’s poise under pressure was evident as she saved both break points she faced, showcasing the form that carried her to the 2021 US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier.
This victory builds on Raducanu’s impressive first-round win over No. 7 seed Marta Kostyuk, a match that saw her overcome a challenging 7-6(4), 6-4 battle. Now with 20 wins in 2025, Raducanu is climbing the WTA Race rankings, sitting at No. 26. Her third quarterfinal appearance in Washington sets up a blockbuster clash with former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari, who advanced after a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 win over Emma Navarro. Raducanu holds a perfect 3-0 record against Sakkari, including victories at the 2021 US Open, 2024 Wimbledon, and 2025 Dubai, none of which saw her drop a set.
For Osaka, the loss marks a setback in her ongoing comeback following maternity leave in 2022. Despite a strong start to 2025, including a final in Auckland and fourth-round appearances in Miami and Rome, her performance in Washington highlighted areas for improvement, particularly on serve. “I’m always a person that loves when people are entertained,” Osaka said before the match, expressing excitement about the first-time matchup. While she couldn’t deliver her best, the clash underscored the potential for future thrilling encounters between these two champions.
Raducanu’s resurgence is a testament to her resilience after a challenging 2023, when injuries and surgeries saw her ranking plummet outside the top 300. Now back in the top 50, she is rediscovering the energy and confidence that made her a global sensation. “I think when I watch myself now, I really like how I look on the court,” she said with a smile. “Not in a narcissistic way. I mean in terms of energy, and I think I feel quite upbeat. The pink outfit is pretty cute as well.”
As the North American hard-court swing continues, Raducanu’s performance in Washington signals her readiness for the upcoming US Open, where she hopes to recapture the magic of her 2021 triumph. Her quarterfinal matchup against Sakkari promises another test of her growing confidence, with a potential semifinal berth against No. 4 seed Clara Tauson or Anna Kalinskaya on the line. With her blend of tactical acumen and relentless determination, Raducanu is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with once again.
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