Following a turbulent period marked by injuries and inconsistent form, Emma Raducanu is experiencing a significant career resurgence. Her recent victory at the Cincinnati Open, which began with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Olga Danilovic, highlights this new chapter. This win, achieved in her first match with new coach Francisco Roig, isn’t just another victory; it’s a milestone that places her in a league of her own, holding a record that even tennis heavyweights Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka can’t currently match.
The record in question is a remarkable 19-4 win-loss record against lower-ranked players over the past year. This demonstrates a newfound consistency and a clear ability to handle opponents she is expected to beat, a trait that was notably absent during her post-US Open 2021 struggles. While Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka are higher-ranked players with more titles, they have not achieved this level of dominance against lower-ranked opponents over the last 12 months. This newfound reliability marks a pivotal shift in Raducanu’s career, showcasing a maturity and mental toughness that she’s been working diligently to develop.
The victory over Danilovic in Cincinnati was particularly encouraging. On a sweltering day, Raducanu’s performance was not only effective but also highly composed. She maintained excellent depth on her service returns, denying Danilovic the easy short balls she sought. Furthermore, her defensive skills were on full display, as she patiently waited for opportunities to attack and take control of rallies. This tactical discipline and execution, which she showcased throughout the match, are signs of the positive influence of her new coaching partnership with Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach.
Raducanu’s recent hard-court performances paint a picture of a player who is once again finding her footing. She reached the semi-finals of the WTA 500 event in Washington and won two matches in Montreal, all of which led up to her strong start in Cincinnati. This string of successful outings stands in stark contrast to her struggles just a year ago, where she missed the majority of the North American swing due to injury. As she said after her win, she feels she has been putting in the hard work and it is starting to pay off.
The true test of her progress, however, awaits in the next round, where she will face the world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. This is a rematch of their intense Wimbledon clash just last month, where Raducanu pushed Sabalenka to her limits, ultimately losing in a tight two-set match. As she prepares for this challenging encounter, Raducanu views it as a “fact-finding match” to see where she stands in comparison to the best players in the world. This mindset, combined with her recent impressive record and her new coaching partnership, suggests that the former US Open champion is on a determined path back to the top of the game.
The video below offers an on-court interview with Emma Raducanu, where she talks about her mindset before facing the World No. 1.
Leave a Reply