Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has rediscovered her spark on the hard courts, reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Citi DC Open in Washington. This milestone marks her first hard-court semifinal since the Korea Open in September 2022, a gap of 33 months. In a thrilling quarterfinal match, the 22-year-old Brit battled past world No. 90 Maria Sakkari with a 6-4, 7-5 victory, showcasing resilience in sweltering 36°C heat. Raducanu’s journey back to the final four has been fueled by significant improvements in three critical areas of her game: her serve, mentality, and defensive skills. These enhancements have not only elevated her performance but also reignited her passion for tennis, setting the stage for a potential rankings surge as the US Open looms.
Raducanu’s match against Sakkari was a testament to her growing prowess. Despite trailing 5-2 in the second set and requiring a medical check due to the oppressive heat, she roared back, winning five consecutive games to secure the win in just over two hours. “It’s incredibly difficult playing, but, actually, when I’ve sat and watched matches in the heat, when you’re not moving on the seat, it’s even harder, so I really appreciate you guys staying through the match,” Raducanu said during her on-court interview, her gratitude palpable as she acknowledged the supportive crowd. This victory extended her perfect 4-0 record against Sakkari, with all eight sets contested in her favor, underscoring her dominance over the Greek player.
Reflecting on her progress, Raducanu highlighted the evolution of her game since her last hard-court semifinal in Seoul. “I think 2022, the last semis I made in Seoul, the quality of opponents I have just beaten here is a lot higher, and I think also the way the tournament has moved on, every match is a lot more difficult,” she noted in her post-match press conference. Her recent triumphs include a commanding 6-4, 6-2 win over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round of the Citi DC Open, a performance that showcased her refined skills and boosted her confidence. These victories have propelled her to a projected live WTA ranking of No. 32, a 14-place jump from her current No. 46, with the potential to crack the top 25 if she claims the title.
Central to Raducanu’s resurgence is her improved serve, which she has honed under the guidance of coach Mark Petchey. The training block following her Miami Open quarterfinal run earlier in 2025 focused heavily on this aspect, resulting in a more consistent and powerful delivery. Her ability to hold serve under pressure against Sakkari, even after a double fault, was pivotal in clinching the first set. Additionally, Raducanu’s mentality has undergone a transformation. “I feel a lot more composed, I feel more relaxed, more comfortable in myself and just what I’m doing on and off the court,” she shared in an interview with Tennis Channel. This newfound composure has allowed her to navigate high-stakes moments with poise, as evidenced by her comeback from a significant deficit in the second set against Sakkari.
Her defensive skills have also seen remarkable growth, enabling her to counter aggressive opponents effectively. This was particularly evident in her ability to break Sakkari’s serve multiple times, capitalizing on errors like a scuffed drop-volley. Raducanu’s defensive resilience, combined with her offensive capabilities, has made her a formidable competitor on hard courts, a surface where she has historically thrived, as demonstrated by her 2021 US Open triumph. “I’m really just enjoying my tennis, enjoying getting better and collecting as many good days as possible in a row,” she said, likening her consistent progress to a “Snapchat streak” she’s determined to maintain.
Despite her success, challenges remain. The extreme heat in Washington forced Raducanu to retire from a women’s doubles semifinal alongside Elena Rybakina due to health concerns, highlighting the physical demands of the tournament. However, her singles performance has silenced doubters, with former British No. 1 Tim Henman praising her resilience and experience. “She’s a much better player than she was in 2021 because she’s had four more years of experience and now she’s started to build more of a team around her,” Henman remarked, emphasizing her physical and mental growth.
As Raducanu prepares to face either Anna Kalinskaya or Clara Tauson in the Citi DC Open semifinals, her focus remains on sustaining her momentum. With upcoming WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, followed by the US Open, she has a golden opportunity to amass ranking points and potentially reclaim the British No. 1 spot from Katie Boulter. Her 21 match wins in 2025, a personal best, reflect a player rediscovering her joy for the game while pushing the boundaries of her potential. Raducanu’s journey, marked by setbacks and surgeries in 2023, has culminated in a confident, composed athlete ready to challenge the elite on the sport’s biggest stages.
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