Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is making waves at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., not only with her on-court brilliance but also with a bold, self-assured attitude that reflects a transformed mindset. Fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka on July 24, 2025, the 22-year-old British star delivered a performance that showcased her rediscovered form and a newfound mental clarity. Her post-match reflections, including a candid self-assessment that she quickly clarified with a laugh, have sparked conversation, highlighting her growing confidence without a hint of arrogance. As Raducanu navigates a resurgent season, her journey at the Citi DC Open underscores her evolution into a more composed and upbeat competitor.
Raducanu’s second-round win over Osaka was a statement of intent, propelling her to No. 31 in the live WTA rankings and positioning her for a potential seeding at the upcoming US Open. The match saw Raducanu dominate with a pinpoint serve, firing aces and controlling rallies with her aggressive baseline game. The victory was particularly significant given Osaka’s pre-match comments, which some interpreted as a subtle jab at Raducanu’s single Grand Slam title compared to her own multiple major triumphs. Raducanu, however, let her racket do the talking, and her post-match gesture—a two-finger salute—initially sparked speculation of a cheeky response. She later explained it as “just a bit of an inside joke with me and my friends from Wimbledon,” a nod to her close-knit circle, including her best friend Izzy, who was in attendance.
In a candid moment with journalist Ben Rothenberg, Raducanu offered high praise for her own progress, saying, “I think when I watch myself now, I really like how I look on the court.” She quickly added, “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 self-assurance marks a stark contrast to the challenges she faced in recent years, including back spasms that disrupted her offseason and a troubling incident in Dubai where a “fixated fan” was removed after delivering a letter to her hotel. Despite these hurdles, Raducanu has leaned on a revamped support team, including childhood coach Nick Cavaday and fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, to rebuild her physical and mental resilience.
Her success in Washington extends beyond singles. Teaming up with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in doubles, Raducanu has embraced the “er^2” partnership, which stormed into the semifinals with a 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 win over Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi. “I’m really pleased with how I’m tracking, how I’m building,” Raducanu said, her enthusiasm evident as she balances singles and doubles with ease. Her performances echo her strong showing at Wimbledon earlier this year, where she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the limit, signaling her readiness to reclaim a spot among the WTA’s elite.
Raducanu’s goals for the season are clear: stay healthy and compete consistently. “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer,” she told reporters. “I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further.” Her aggressive playstyle, honed on grass and now translating to hard courts, has her poised for a deep run in Washington, with a quarterfinal clash against Maria Sakkari looming. The Citi DC Open has become a proving ground for Raducanu, who is embracing the pressure with a smile and a newfound lightness.
As she prepares for the US Open, where she made history as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021, Raducanu’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Her two-finger salute, far from a boastful gesture, reflects the joy and camaraderie she shares with her inner circle, while her self-praise—delivered with a self-aware chuckle—signals a player comfortable in her own skin. With her health restored and her game firing on all cylinders, Raducanu is not just surviving in the competitive world of professional tennis—she’s thriving, ready to write the next chapter of her remarkable career.
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