In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Emma Raducanu stormed into the semi-finals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., defeating Maria Sakkari in a gripping 6-4, 7-5 battle on July 25, 2025. The victory marked Raducanu’s first semi-final appearance since June 2024, a significant milestone for the 22-year-old Briton, who has been steadily rebuilding her momentum on the WTA Tour. The match, played under sweltering conditions at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, showcased Raducanu’s tenacity and growing confidence, as she extended her flawless 4-0 head-to-head record against Sakkari, never dropping a set in their encounters.
Raducanu’s journey to the semi-finals has been a testament to her rediscovered form. Entering the quarter-final clash, she faced a formidable opponent in Sakkari, a former world No. 3 who, despite a challenging 2024 that saw her ranking slip outside the top 80, had shown signs of resurgence in Washington. Sakkari’s recent victories over top players like Katie Boulter and second seed Emma Navarro underscored her determination to reclaim her place among the elite. Yet, Raducanu’s aggressive baseline game and improved serving consistency proved too much for the Greek star, who struggled with 40 unforced errors during the two-hour, ten-minute contest.
The match began with early challenges for Raducanu, who found herself down 0-3 in the first set after an early break by Sakkari. Undeterred, the former US Open champion regrouped, leveling the score at 2-2 and seizing control with a decisive break at 4-4 to claim the first set 6-4. The second set proved even more dramatic, with Sakkari surging to a 5-2 lead, seemingly poised to force a decider. However, Raducanu’s composure under pressure shone through. Capitalizing on Sakkari’s faltering confidence, she mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the final five games to secure a 7-5 victory. “There were some momentum shifts throughout the match,” Raducanu reflected, “and when I got broken twice early in the sets, I just regrouped really well and managed to break back both times.”
Raducanu’s performance was highlighted by her exceptional serving, with seven aces and a 73% first-serve point win rate, alongside her aggressive forehand, which she wielded with increasing conviction. “I was really pleased with the way I fought and competed against Maria,” she said post-match. “She’s a top player, been as high as three in the world. I’m just really proud of my performance.” Her ability to pounce on opportunities and maintain focus in critical moments underscored her growing maturity on the court.
This victory builds on Raducanu’s impressive run in Washington, where she earlier dispatched former US Open champion Naomi Osaka in a commanding 6-4, 6-2 performance and battled past seventh seed Marta Kostyuk in a tight 7-6(4), 6-4 match. Her triumph over Osaka, in particular, marked her most high-profile win of the season, restoring her status as British No. 1 and signaling her readiness for the upcoming US Open. Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows, with a solid fourth-round finish at Wimbledon—where she defeated reigning champion Markéta Vondroušová before falling to Aryna Sabalenka—and earlier struggles, including a four-match losing streak that she snapped in Dubai against Sakkari.
For Sakkari, the loss was a setback in an otherwise encouraging tournament. Celebrating her 30th birthday, she had hoped to mark the occasion with a return to form, but Raducanu’s relentless pressure and strategic play thwarted her ambitions. Despite the defeat, Sakkari’s recent performances suggest she remains a formidable competitor, capable of challenging the tour’s best.
Raducanu’s semi-final berth is her most significant milestone since her 2021 US Open triumph, where she famously became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam. Her current ranking of No. 46 positions her tantalizingly close to a US Open seeding, a goal that seemed distant during her injury-plagued 2023 season. As she prepares to face either Anna Kalinskaya or fourth seed Clara Tauson in the semi-finals, Raducanu’s confidence is palpable. “I think the conditions really suit her,” she said of Sakkari, “but I’m happy to keep my momentum going.”
The Washington crowd, energized by Raducanu’s spirited performance, eagerly awaits her next match. With her signature blend of clean ball-striking, athletic court coverage, and unyielding determination, Raducanu is proving she’s not just a one-hit wonder but a force poised to make waves on the hard courts of North America. As the US Open looms, her resurgence is a reminder of the fearless 18-year-old who captivated the tennis world four years ago, now evolving into a seasoned contender ready to write the next chapter of her remarkable career.
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