Aryna Sabalenka says how she feels about having to face Emma Raducanu again in Cincinnati so soon after Wimbledon

The tennis world is buzzing with anticipation as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face Emma Raducanu in the third round of the 2025 Cincinnati Open, a rematch of their electrifying Wimbledon clash just over a month ago. Sabalenka, fresh off a commanding 7-5, 6-1 victory over former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, expressed excitement and respect for the challenge ahead, acknowledging Raducanu’s resurgence. “We had a great battle at Wimbledon,” Sabalenka said with a grin. “She is an amazing player, and she has been playing really well lately. I am super excited to face her on hard courts.”

The Belarusian powerhouse, who kicked off her North American hard-court swing with a title defense in Cincinnati, is no stranger to high-stakes encounters. Her Wimbledon third-round match against Raducanu on July 4, 2025, was a two-hour epic that tested her mental fortitude. Sabalenka emerged victorious, 7-6(6), 6-4, overcoming a raucous Centre Court crowd and Raducanu’s inspired performance. The Brit, then ranked World No. 40, pushed Sabalenka to the brink, leading 4-2 in the first set and 4-1 in the second, and even saving seven set points in a dramatic 13-minute game. Sabalenka’s ability to stay composed under pressure, particularly with a nerveless drop-shot volley to clinch the first set, underscored her status as the WTA’s dominant force. Reflecting on Raducanu’s recent form, Sabalenka noted, “I don’t remember our match at Indian Wells, but I think now she is playing much better. It’s going to be a challenge, and I love to accept tough challenges.”

Raducanu, now ranked No. 39 and under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, is riding a wave of confidence after a 6-3, 6-2 rout of Olga Danilovic in Cincinnati’s second round. The 2021 US Open champion, who reclaimed the British No. 1 spot after a semifinal run in Washington, showcased her aggressive serve and return game, drawing errors from her opponent with clinical precision. Her performance against Danilovic, completed in just 80 minutes, marked a strong start with Roig, whose experience with Rafael Nadal promises to bring structure to Raducanu’s dynamic game. The Brit’s ability to generate nearly four break points won per match in 2025 highlights her growing prowess, though her higher double-fault rate (3.27 per match) compared to Sabalenka’s (2.1) could be a factor on Cincinnati’s fast hard courts.

Sabalenka, with an imposing 24-4 hard-court record this season and an 85% win rate, remains the favorite. Her serve, averaging 3.5 aces per match and clocking up to 124 mph, is a weapon Raducanu will need to neutralize. The Belarusian’s aggressive baseline play and net efficiency—she won 81% of net points at Wimbledon—make her a formidable opponent. Yet, Raducanu’s improved defense and forehand aggression, honed under Roig, suggest she’s closing the gap. Their head-to-head record favors Sabalenka, who holds a 2-0 lead with a 4-0 set advantage, including a 2022 Indian Wells win. However, Raducanu’s recent form indicates a tighter contest.

The Cincinnati Open, a key US Open tune-up, adds extra stakes to this matchup. Sabalenka, who withdrew from the Canadian Open due to fatigue after a Wimbledon semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova, is eager to build momentum for New York, where she won her first US Open title in 2024. “It’s a triumphant return for the defending champion,” Sabalenka said of her Cincinnati campaign, where she began her ferocious form last year. Raducanu, meanwhile, aims to leverage her homecoming at Flushing Meadows, where her 2021 triumph as a qualifier remains one of tennis’s greatest fairy tales.

The atmosphere in Cincinnati is set to be electric, with fans eager to see if Raducanu can capitalize on her recent momentum or if Sabalenka’s power and experience will prevail. The World No. 1’s playful confidence and respect for her opponent set the stage for a blockbuster clash. As Sabalenka put it, “I love to accept tough challenges,” and Raducanu’s resurgence promises to deliver just that, making this third-round match a must-watch prelude to the US Open.

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