In a clash of Grand Slam champions that electrified the tennis world, Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington on July 24, 2025. The 22-year-old Briton, whose meteoric rise at the 2021 US Open captivated fans, showcased her revitalized form against the four-time major winner, securing her place in the quarter-finals and reclaiming the British No. 1 ranking. The match, a first-ever professional meeting between the two, was anticipated as a blockbuster, but Raducanu’s poise and precision turned it into a statement of her resurgence, setting the stage for a thrilling US Open buildup.
Raducanu entered Washington fresh off a gritty first-round victory over seventh seed Marta Kostyuk, a 7-6(4), 6-4 battle that tested her resilience in the sweltering DC heat. “It’s really difficult and extremely important to keep composure,” she said after that match, reflecting on the delicate balance of conserving energy while staying sharp. “It’s such a fine line in these conditions, where it’s so hot, between not getting too flat and I was dipping in and out of that.” Her preparation paid dividends against Osaka, a former World No. 1 known for her hard-court prowess. Despite Osaka’s own strong start—a 6-2, 7-5 win over Yulia Putintseva—Raducanu’s tactical acumen and improved serve proved decisive.
The match began with both players holding serve comfortably, but Raducanu seized the initiative in the fifth game of the first set, capitalizing on Osaka’s double fault to secure a crucial break for a 3-2 lead. “I knew I was going to have to play really well and manage my own service games, which I’m really proud of how I did,” Raducanu told Sky Sports post-match. She held firm, denying both of Osaka’s break-point opportunities and closing the set 6-4 with an unreturned serve after 38 minutes. Her serving, honed under outgoing coach Mark Petchey, was a standout, with only one double fault compared to Osaka’s seven. “If you float the second serve, Naomi will crunch it,” she noted, emphasizing her trust in her aggressive serving strategy.
The second set saw Raducanu elevate her game further. She broke Osaka immediately, exploiting a backhand error, and maintained relentless pressure. “I was making some inroads in her service games after I got used to it a little bit,” she said, highlighting her adaptability to Osaka’s powerful ball speed. Despite a brief fightback from Osaka, who earned two break points at 1-2, Raducanu’s defense-to-offense transitions—marked by a backhand winner down the line—kept her in control. A second break in the fifth game, fueled by another Osaka error, pushed Raducanu to a 4-1 lead. Serving for the match at 5-2, she faced a tense moment, saving a break point after a wayward forehand, but sealed the victory on her third match point with a powerful serve and a fine attacking play.
Osaka, still navigating her return to elite form after the birth of her daughter Shai in 2023, struggled with consistency, landing only 46% of her first serves and committing numerous unforced errors. “I won a couple of Slams on this surface for a reason, so I need to believe in myself a lot more,” she had said before the match, reflecting on her hard-court pedigree. Yet, Raducanu’s relentless focus and movement overwhelmed her, marking a setback in her quest to reclaim her top-tier status. The Japanese star, now projected to rise to No. 49 in the WTA rankings, will look to regroup at the Canadian Open in Montreal.
Raducanu’s victory, her 20th of the 2025 season, propels her into the top 40 and past Katie Boulter as Britain’s top-ranked woman. Her next challenge is wildcard Maria Sakkari, who defeated second seed Emma Navarro 7-5, 7-6. “We’ve played a few times, and the conditions really suit her,” Raducanu said of Sakkari, acknowledging the Greek’s form after ousting Boulter in the first round. With a 3-0 head-to-head advantage, Raducanu is poised for a deep run, her third Washington quarter-final. Her doubles campaign, alongside Elena Rybakina, also continues, with a semi-final berth secured after a 7-6(8-6), 6-4 win over Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi.
Despite uncertainty over her coaching situation—Raducanu is currently guided only by hitting partner Alexis Canter—she displayed no lack of direction. “I’m really pleased with how I handled the ball speed and conditions here in DC,” she said, her confidence palpable. As she prepares for the US Open, where she made history as a qualifier in 2021, Raducanu’s Washington performance signals a return to form, blending steely determination with the flair that once made her a global sensation. With the tennis world watching, her journey in the capital could be the spark for a triumphant hard-court season.
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