The 2025 US Open is heating up, and one of the most anticipated matches of the third round is set to unfold on Friday, August 29, as British sensation Emma Raducanu takes on former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. This electrifying showdown, featuring two Grand Slam winners, promises to be a highlight of the tournament, pitting Raducanu’s resurgent form against Rybakina’s relentless power game. The match is scheduled as the opening contest of the day on Louis Armstrong Stadium, with play starting at 11:00 AM local time (4:00 PM BST).
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has returned to Flushing Meadows with a renewed sense of purpose. The 22-year-old Brit, currently ranked world No. 36, has been in scintillating form, breezing through her first two matches without dropping a serve. She dispatched qualifiers Ena Shibahara and Janice Tjen, losing just six games combined in victories that took barely over an hour each. Her blistering 6-2, 6-1 win over Tjen set a personal record for her quickest Grand Slam match, showcasing her improved serve and dynamic court coverage. Raducanu’s journey since her fairytale 2021 title run has been challenging, marked by injuries and tough draws, but her recent performances signal a player rediscovering her magic. “I’m particularly happy, because on the court, I felt like my opponent was playing really good tennis,” Raducanu said after her second-round win, reflecting on her ability to navigate high-pressure moments with poise.
Elena Rybakina, the ninth seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion, presents a formidable challenge. The 26-year-old Kazakh star has been a dominant force on the WTA Tour, with a career hard-court winning percentage of around 74% and a serve that ranks among the best in the game. In 2025 alone, she has struck 363 aces and won 73.7% of her first-serve points, making her delivery a weapon that can dictate matches. Rybakina’s path to the third round included a 6-3, 6-0 rout of Julieta Pareja and a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (9-7) victory over Czech teenager Tereza Valentova, where she saved four set points in a gripping tiebreak. Her recent semi-final run at the Cincinnati Open, where she defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, underscores her form heading into this clash. Yet, Rybakina acknowledges Raducanu’s growth, noting, “She’s playing really well… she serves really well and she did also when we played doubles in Washington.”
The head-to-head history adds intrigue to this matchup. The two met once before in 2022 at the Sydney Classic, where Rybakina dominated with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. However, Raducanu is a different player now, bolstered by a revamped serve under the guidance of coach Francisco Roig and a newfound consistency. Their recent doubles partnership at the Citi Open in Washington, where they reached the semi-finals, gives both players insight into each other’s games. “She’s a nice girl outside of the court,” Rybakina said, highlighting their mutual respect, though she admitted they rarely stay in touch due to their busy schedules.
Tactically, this match is a fascinating contrast of styles. Raducanu, an aggressive baseliner, excels at taking the ball early and redirecting pace with her “world-class” two-handed backhand. Her ability to construct rallies and disrupt opponents’ rhythm could test Rybakina, whose forehand has occasionally been a weak point, as noted by analysts who suggest Raducanu might target it to create awkward positions. Rybakina, meanwhile, relies on her booming serve and powerful groundstrokes to overwhelm opponents. “She’s been at the top of the game for so long and very dominant and has big weapons,” Raducanu said of Rybakina, adding, “I do want to see how my game suits and fits against the top.” Raducanu’s confidence stems from her competitive showings against Sabalenka at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, though she acknowledges the unique challenge Rybakina poses: “Elena is a different opponent. She beat Aryna in Cincy in straight sets. It’s going to be a tough match.”
For Raducanu, this match is a chance to secure her fourth career top-10 victory and reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in 2025. Rybakina, who has never advanced past the third round at the US Open, is aiming to break that barrier and continue her strong season, which includes nine WTA titles. The Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, known for its electric atmosphere, is sure to amplify the drama, with Raducanu feeding off their energy: “I love the crowd… I really liked playing on Armstrong today.” As two Grand Slam champions collide, this third-round battle is poised to deliver a spectacle of skill, strategy, and heart, with both players eager to prove themselves on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
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