In a gripping semifinal showdown at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., Britain’s Emma Raducanu faced a formidable challenge against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, ultimately succumbing to a 6-4, 6-3 defeat on July 27, 2025. The match, played under sweltering conditions with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s, tested both players’ resilience, but it was Kalinskaya who emerged victorious, advancing to the final of the WTA 500 event. Despite the loss, Raducanu’s impressive run in the tournament solidified her return to form, ensuring she will reclaim the British No. 1 ranking from Katie Boulter when the WTA rankings update on Monday.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, entered the match with momentum from her earlier victories, including a commanding straight-sets win over former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka and a hard-fought quarterfinal triumph against Maria Sakkari. The 22-year-old showcased her aggressive baseline game and powerful serve, delivering five aces early in the match. However, she struggled to capitalize on critical moments, failing to convert any of her four break point opportunities. Kalinskaya, ranked just two spots below Raducanu at No. 48, displayed tactical precision, securing a crucial break in the ninth game of the first set to claim it 6-4.
The second set saw both players exchange early breaks, but Kalinskaya’s composure under pressure proved decisive. The 26-year-old Russian pulled ahead with a second break, maintaining her lead to seal the match in one hour and 32 minutes. Reflecting on the encounter, Raducanu described it as “an interesting match,” acknowledging the challenge posed by Kalinskaya’s game. Despite the defeat, Raducanu’s performance in Washington marked her first WTA Tour-level semifinal in over a year, a testament to her growing confidence and physical resilience following a challenging period marked by injuries.
Raducanu’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of inspiring. She began her campaign with a gritty win over seventh seed Marta Kostyuk, followed by a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over Osaka. Her quarterfinal clash against Sakkari, played in oppressive heat, saw Raducanu rally from a 5-2 deficit in the second set to win 6-4, 7-5. “I think my confidence has been building since Miami,” Raducanu said after her Sakkari win, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that has bolstered her game. “The amount of work I’m doing, to have that in the locker and banked, you know you’ve done it, it takes a little pressure off the results.” Her resilience in Washington, particularly in overcoming tough conditions, underscored her growing maturity as a professional.
Beyond singles, Raducanu also competed in the women’s doubles alongside Elena Rybakina, reaching the semifinals before withdrawing while trailing 4-1 in the first set against Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai. The decision to retire came after Raducanu expressed concerns about the intense heat, noting she felt “a bit wobbly” during her singles match against Sakkari. Her withdrawal sparked some concern, but Raducanu remains focused on her upcoming challenges, with her next match scheduled against Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round of the Canadian Open WTA 1000 event in Montreal on Monday.
Kalinskaya’s victory sets up a final against either Leylah Fernandez or Elena Rybakina. Fernandez, who faced Raducanu in the 2021 US Open final, secured her spot with a marathon 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-3) win over qualifier Taylor Townsend, a match lasting over three hours. On the men’s side, Australia’s Alex de Minaur advanced to the final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Corentin Moutet, setting up a clash with Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Raducanu’s Washington campaign, though ending short of the final, signals a promising resurgence. Her ability to compete against top players on the hard courts, where she won her maiden Grand Slam, bodes well for her US Open preparations. As she heads to Montreal, Raducanu carries the confidence of a player rediscovering her form, ready to tackle the next chapter of her remarkable career.
Leave a Reply