Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is rediscovering her love for tennis through an unexpected avenue: women’s doubles. At the 2025 Mubadala Citi Open in Washington, D.C., the 22-year-old British star has teamed up with world No. 2 Elena Rybakina to make a splash in the doubles draw, propelling her to a career-high WTA doubles ranking of No. 349. This surge, driven by back-to-back victories alongside Rybakina, reflects Raducanu’s new approach to the sport—prioritizing joy and camaraderie over result-driven pressure. As she balances singles success with her doubles run, Raducanu’s journey at the WTA 500 event signals a promising resurgence for the former world No. 10.
Raducanu’s doubles campaign in Washington began with a statement win over fourth seeds Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls, followed by a hard-fought 7-6(8-6), 6-4 victory against Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi. These triumphs have not only showcased her versatility but also boosted her doubles ranking significantly. “I’m really pleased with how I’m tracking, how I’m building,” Raducanu said after her singles win over Naomi Osaka in the second round. Her decision to compete in doubles stems from a desire to “move away from result-orientated goals and just enjoy each day,” a mindset shift that has reinvigorated her approach to the sport. The partnership with Rybakina, a formidable singles player known for her powerful serve, has proven a perfect complement to Raducanu’s tactical flexibility and court coverage.
Before Washington, Raducanu’s doubles experience was limited. Earlier in 2025, she paired with fellow Brit Katie Boulter at the Queen’s Club Championships, winning their opening match before falling in the quarterfinals. Those two matches, combined with her Washington victories, mark her only four doubles outings this year. Despite her sparse doubles resume, Raducanu’s natural athleticism and aggressive return game—honed during her 2021 US Open run—translate well to the format. “Being a bit of the underdog is great because you can go out there with no fear,” she once said as a teenager, a sentiment that seems to guide her fearless approach in doubles alongside a top-tier partner like Rybakina.
In singles, Raducanu is also making waves at the Citi Open, where her upset victory over No. 7 seed Marta Kostyuk has propelled her to a projected singles ranking of No. 39, a seven-place jump from her current No. 46. This resurgence follows a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent form. After undergoing surgeries on both hands and an ankle in 2023, Raducanu’s ranking plummeted to No. 303, but her recent performances—quarterfinals at the Miami Open and a third-round showing at Wimbledon against Aryna Sabalenka—signal a return to form. “My goal, it’s kind of gone away from result-orientated goals and just enjoying each day and trying to bank as many good ones as possible in a row,” she explained, emphasizing her focus on process over pressure.
The doubles success adds a new dimension to Raducanu’s comeback narrative. Her partnership with Rybakina, an unexpected but dynamic pairing, has fans buzzing about their potential to reach the semifinals in Washington. This run not only boosts her doubles ranking but also provides valuable match experience as she prepares for the US Open, where she’ll compete in both singles and mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Raducanu’s limited doubles experience—she has no prior WTA doubles titles—makes her current ranking of No. 349 a remarkable achievement, especially given her focus on singles, where she holds a career-high of No. 10.
As Raducanu continues her North American hard-court swing, with upcoming events in Montreal and Cincinnati, her doubles venture offers a refreshing perspective on her career. The joy she’s found in teaming up with Rybakina reflects a broader shift toward embracing the sport’s lighter moments. “If a bad morning session, like trying to regain it straightaway,” she said, highlighting her resilience. With her singles ranking climbing and her doubles ranking soaring, Raducanu is proving she’s more than a Grand Slam wonder—she’s a multifaceted talent ready to shine on multiple fronts. As the Citi Open unfolds, all eyes are on whether this British star can keep her momentum going, both as a solo act and as part of a thrilling doubles duo.
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