Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is making waves at the Cincinnati Open, showcasing her resurgence with a commanding performance in her opening match. The British No. 1, now under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, formerly Rafael Nadal’s mentor, cruised past Serbia’s Olga Danilovic with a 6-3, 6-2 victory, securing her spot in the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament. As the 30th seed, Raducanu displayed the aggressive baseline play and mental resilience that have fueled her climb back to world No. 40. However, her next challenge is a daunting one: a third-round showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a rematch of their thrilling Wimbledon encounter just a month ago.
Raducanu’s match against Danilovic was a testament to her growing consistency on hard courts, a surface where she has historically thrived. The opening set saw both players struggle to hold serve, with Danilovic securing an early break only for Raducanu to respond immediately. The Briton’s ability to capitalize on her opponent’s weak second serve—Danilovic won just 22% of those points—proved decisive. By the end of the first set, Raducanu had secured three breaks, clinching it 6-3. The second set was a masterclass in control, as she won five consecutive games after trailing 1-2, wrapping up the match in just 80 minutes. “I’m very proud of how I handled the business today,” Raducanu said post-match, acknowledging that while her performance wasn’t flawless, it showcased her ability to seize key moments.
The victory marks Raducanu’s 10th consecutive tournament advancing past the first round, a stark contrast to the injury-plagued years following her US Open triumph. Her partnership with Roig appears to be paying dividends, with the Spaniard’s expertise helping her refine her game. Raducanu’s aggressive forehand and improved defensive skills, particularly her use of slice to stay in rallies, have added depth to her arsenal. However, she admitted the need to elevate her game further against top-tier opponents. “I think that’s something I’ve developed in the last few months – my ability to kind of use the slice and stay in points for longer,” she noted, but added, “Against the top girls, you really need to have a weapon on serve and also from the back.”
Now, Raducanu faces a formidable test in Sabalenka, the defending Cincinnati champion and a three-time Grand Slam winner. Sabalenka advanced to the third round with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-1 win over 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, a match that highlighted her ability to perform under pressure. The Belarusian saved an astonishing 12 break points, showcasing her resilience and clutch play. “It’s always a tough match against her,” Sabalenka said of Vondrousova. “You have to stay focused, and you have to fight for every point.” Her efficiency in converting her limited break-point opportunities underscored why she remains the dominant force in women’s tennis.
The upcoming clash will be the third career meeting between Raducanu and Sabalenka, with the world No. 1 holding a 2-0 head-to-head advantage. Their most recent encounter at Wimbledon was a high-octane battle, where Raducanu led 4-2 in the first set and 4-1 in the second but fell 7-6(6), 6-4. “Emma played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka said after that match, praising Raducanu’s potential to return to the top 10. Despite the loss, Raducanu took confidence from her performance, noting, “Having a match like that where I had chances in both sets, it does give me confidence.”
This Cincinnati matchup promises to be a blockbuster. Sabalenka’s powerful serve, which hit 118mph at Wimbledon, and her effectiveness at the net—where she won 81% of points in that tournament—make her a formidable opponent. Raducanu, however, has shown she can challenge the best with her relentless returning, winning 50% of return games at Wimbledon. To upset Sabalenka, she’ll need to neutralize the Belarusian’s aggressive play and capitalize on any serving inconsistencies, as Vondrousova did in creating 12 break points.
As Raducanu prepares for this pivotal match, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. A victory could propel her back into the spotlight and signal her readiness to compete with the elite. For Sabalenka, it’s a chance to solidify her dominance and continue her Cincinnati legacy, where she boasts 19 career wins. “I’m super happy to see her healthy and back on track,” Sabalenka said of Raducanu, tipping her to climb the rankings soon. Whether Raducanu can pull off the upset remains to be seen, but her recent form suggests she’s ready to give the world No. 1 a run for her money in this thrilling Cincinnati showdown.
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