In a sweltering Cincinnati night, the tennis world was treated to a three-hour epic at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, where British star Emma Raducanu pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the brink in a gripping third-round clash. The match, which ended with Sabalenka’s 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory, showcased Raducanu’s resurgence and her ability to challenge the sport’s elite. Despite the defeat, the 22-year-old’s reflections revealed a mix of pride, frustration, and optimism, signaling her growing confidence on the WTA tour.
Raducanu, who burst onto the scene with her 2021 US Open triumph, described the match as a significant milestone in her journey back to the top. “She’s world No. 1 for a reason,” Raducanu said, acknowledging Sabalenka’s prowess. “I pushed her more than I did at Wimbledon, so that’s an improvement.” The Cincinnati showdown marked their third career meeting, with Sabalenka maintaining a 3-0 head-to-head record. Unlike their previous encounters, including a straight-sets loss at Wimbledon earlier this summer, Raducanu took a set off the three-time Grand Slam champion for the first time, proving she’s closing the gap. “To have pushed her on a hard court like that, I’m pretty proud,” she added, noting the surface’s contrast to grass, which she believes suits her game better.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with both players trading breaks early. Raducanu’s aggressive forehand and improved serving kept her in contention, particularly in the second set, where she clinched a 4-6 victory to force a decider. A marathon eighth game in the third set, lasting 23 minutes, tested both players’ resolve. Raducanu highlighted Sabalenka’s ability to seize critical moments, particularly in the tie-breakers, as a key difference. “I think starting the point is a big takeaway,” she said, pinpointing her first serve as an area for growth. Her 73% second-serve win rate against Olga Danilovic in the opening round showed progress, but Sabalenka’s relentless pressure exposed lingering vulnerabilities.
The match wasn’t without controversy. Raducanu faced a tense moment with the umpire over on-court coaching rules, as her new coach, Francisco Roig, formerly Rafael Nadal’s mentor, was warned for excessive communication. “I can’t hear anything because the music is really loud,” Raducanu protested, unaware of the rule’s specifics. She quickly apologized, saying, “Okay, sorry, I didn’t know that. Can you tell someone to tell him?” The incident, coupled with a distraction caused by a crying child in the stands, briefly disrupted her focus. Raducanu’s request to have the child removed sparked debate, with the umpire responding, “It’s a child. Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?” Despite these interruptions, Raducanu’s composure under pressure was evident, a testament to her mental growth.
Sabalenka, gracious in victory, praised Raducanu’s tenacity. “She played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard,” the Belarusian said, predicting a bright future. “I’m pretty sure that she will be back in the top 10 soon.” The world No. 1’s ability to mix power with finesse, like her decisive drop shots, proved decisive. Yet Raducanu’s performance, described as a “fact-finding match” before the encounter, offered valuable insights. “It does give me confidence because I think the problem before was that I felt like I was gulfs away from the very top,” she reflected. “Having a match like that where I had chances in both sets, it does give me confidence.”
Despite missing out on a US Open seeding due to her current ranking outside the top 32, Raducanu’s Cincinnati showing builds on her strong Wimbledon performance, where she led Sabalenka 4-2 in the first set and 4-1 in the second before falling 7-6 (6), 6-4. Her recent victories, including a straight-sets win over 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, underline her progress. Under Roig’s guidance, Raducanu is refining her game, with a focus on consistency and tactical aggression. As she prepares for the US Open, where she made history as a qualifier, this defeat, though stinging, is a stepping stone. “It’s hard to take a loss like that,” she admitted, “but at the same time, I’m playing Aryna, who is a great champion. I have to be proud of my effort today.”
Leave a Reply