As the 2025 US Open heats up at Flushing Meadows, a blockbuster third-round clash looms between two Grand Slam champions: Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu. The 26-year-old Kazakh, fresh off a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6(7) victory over Czech teenager Tereza Valentova, took a moment to reflect on her upcoming opponent, the 2021 US Open champion. Rybakina, the world No. 10, expressed admiration for Raducanu’s recent growth, noting the Brit’s newfound joy and freedom on the court. “I think now is better for her definitely, than maybe it was a year or two ago,” Rybakina said in a press conference. “She enjoys now and you can see she’s happy, she’s playing well. So I think now she’s like more free.” This highly anticipated match, set for August 29, 2025, promises to be a thrilling chapter in both players’ journeys.
Rybakina’s path to the third round was no stroll in the park. Facing the 18-year-old qualifier Valentova, she navigated a tricky second set, saving four set points to seal the win in a tiebreak. Her performance showcased her trademark power, with heavy groundstrokes and a serve that kept her young opponent on the defensive. Yet, Rybakina admitted to struggling with consistency, particularly on serve, as she adjusted to the windy conditions at Flushing Meadows. “I was struggling a little bit here and there, but overall I’m happy with the win, especially to get it done in two sets,” she reflected. Her ability to adapt, honed through years of competing at the highest level, sets the stage for a formidable challenge against Raducanu.
Raducanu, meanwhile, has been a revelation in New York. The 22-year-old Brit cruised past Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 in just 60 minutes, marking her fastest Grand Slam win ever. Her revamped serve, guided by new coach Francisco Roig, has been a game-changer, firing eight aces and dictating play from the baseline. “I thought that I served very well,” Raducanu said post-match, crediting her serve for unlocking the rest of her game. Her journey back to the third round—her first since her fairy-tale 2021 title run—reflects a newfound resilience. After years of battling injuries and the weight of expectations, she’s rediscovered her spark, climbing to the cusp of the WTA top 30. “I’m embracing the pressure and expectation a lot more now,” she told reporters, a nod to her maturing mindset.
The duo’s history adds intrigue to their clash. Their only prior meeting came at the 2022 Sydney Classic, where Rybakina dominated 6-0, 6-1 in just 55 minutes. That match, however, was a different era for Raducanu, who was still adjusting to life as a Grand Slam champion. Since then, she’s faced top players like Aryna Sabalenka in tight battles at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, proving her ability to compete with the best. Rybakina, who reached the 2023 Australian Open final and peaked at No. 3 in the WTA rankings, acknowledges the Brit’s progress. “She serves really well,” Rybakina noted, recalling their doubles partnership at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, where they reached the semifinals before retiring due to Raducanu’s heat-related struggles. “She always had a really good movement on the court, so she’s a tough opponent.”
Their time as doubles partners in Washington offers a unique twist. The pair, dubbed “ER²” by fans, showed instant chemistry, winning two matches before the sweltering conditions forced their withdrawal. “She just asked me if I want to play, and it was a lot of fun,” Rybakina said of the experience, which she viewed as valuable practice for singles. Raducanu echoed the sentiment, noting how doubles improved her volleys: “I picked off a few great volleys, I wasn’t really thinking, but it happened, like, naturally.” Their camaraderie off the court—though they “rarely” text due to busy schedules—adds a layer of mutual respect to their rivalry. “She’s a really nice girl outside of the court,” Rybakina added, hinting at a bond that transcends competition.
This third-round encounter is more than a rematch; it’s a clash of contrasting styles and narratives. Rybakina’s powerful baseline game will test Raducanu’s improved serve and agility, while the Brit’s ability to redirect pace could neutralize the Kazakh’s heavy hitting. “She plays very well now,” Rybakina said, expecting a “high level” battle. For Raducanu, Flushing Meadows is a “happy place,” a venue where she’s rediscovering the joy of 2021. “I feel in a much better place now,” she said, her trademark smile back as she fired signed balls into the crowd. With both players in form—Rybakina with seven titles since her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, Raducanu with 26 wins in 2025—the match promises to be a spectacle.
As the tennis world buzzes with anticipation, this clash represents a pivotal moment. For Rybakina, it’s a chance to advance deeper in a Grand Slam where she’s yet to reach the quarterfinals. For Raducanu, it’s an opportunity to prove her resurgence is no fluke. With fans packing Louis Armstrong Stadium and millions watching worldwide, August 29 will see two champions battle not just for a fourth-round spot but for a defining moment in their careers. As Rybakina aptly put it, “Let’s see how it’s gonna go.”
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