Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has always been a lightning rod for attention, both for her on-court prowess and her off-court charisma. At the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., the 22-year-old British star once again captured headlines, not just for her stellar 6-2, 6-4 victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka but for a cheeky two-finger salute that sparked intrigue and speculation. The gesture, performed after her second-round win on July 24, 2025, was initially interpreted as a bold response to pre-match shade from Osaka, who had subtly questioned Raducanu’s achievements in an interview. However, Raducanu later revealed the true meaning behind the salute, tying it to a lighthearted inside joke with friends and signaling a profound shift in her mindset as she navigates a resurgent season.
The match against Osaka was a high-stakes clash, pitting two Grand Slam winners against each other in a battle of skill and resolve. Raducanu, ranked No. 46 in the WTA, showcased a sublime serving display, firing aces and maintaining composure under pressure to secure her spot in the quarterfinals. The victory was a significant milestone, propelling her to No. 31 in the live rankings and positioning her for a potential seeding at the upcoming US Open. Leading up to the match, Osaka had hinted at differences in their career trajectories, noting that while both had won the US Open (Osaka in 2018 and 2020, Raducanu in 2021), her own path included multiple major titles. The comment stirred online buzz, with some perceiving it as a slight against Raducanu’s singular Grand Slam triumph.
Raducanu’s two-finger salute at the match’s conclusion was initially seen as a fiery retort, a gesture of defiance from a player who has faced intense scrutiny since her meteoric rise. Yet, in a post-match conversation with journalist Ben Rothenberg, she clarified its true significance: “It’s just a bit of an inside joke with me and my friends from Wimbledon. Yeah, one of my friends are here, so we kind of continued that on.” The explanation revealed a playful side to Raducanu, rooted in the camaraderie she shares with her close-knit circle, including her best friend Izzy, with whom she has spent recent Christmases in New Zealand. This lighthearted moment underscored a newfound relaxed demeanor that has defined her 2025 campaign.
The Citi DC Open also saw Raducanu shine in doubles, partnering with fellow Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina as the duo, dubbed “er^2,” powered into the semifinals with a 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 victory over Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi. Raducanu’s joy was palpable as she reflected on her dual success: “I’m really pleased with how I’m tracking, how I’m building.” Her performances in Washington reflect a significant mental shift, one she attributes to a more composed and upbeat approach. “I think when I watch myself now, I really like how I look on the court,” she said. “Not in a narcissistic way! I mean in terms of energy, and I think I feel quite upbeat. I think it’s more I look composed on the court. I feel composed.”
This transformation comes after a challenging period marked by injuries and personal struggles. Raducanu has battled back spasms since the offseason and faced unsettling incidents, including a “fixated fan” removed from a Dubai event in February 2025 after delivering a letter to her hotel. Despite these setbacks, she has leaned on her support system and a revamped team, including childhood coach Nick Cavaday and new fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, previously associated with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. Her commitment to physical resilience is clear: “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer. I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further.”
Facing Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals, Raducanu’s confidence and aggressive playstyle—honed on grass at Wimbledon, where she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the brink—signal her readiness to climb back toward the top 30. Her two-finger salute, far from a jab at Osaka, embodies a player embracing her journey with humor and heart, ready to make waves in the tennis world once more.
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