Emma Raducanu has climbed back into the world’s top 40 this season
Britain’s Emma Raducanu narrowly missed out on a significant victory at the Cincinnati Open, falling just short of defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Raducanu, 22, was defeated 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) as defending champion Sabalenka prevailed in a contest lasting over three hours to advance to the fourth round.
Following a competitive showing against Sabalenka at Wimbledon, Raducanu’s performance further demonstrates her ability to challenge the world’s elite as her resurgence continues.
This season, with the British number one largely overcoming fitness concerns and demonstrating improved resilience, she has ascended back into the top 40.
“As I said at Wimbledon I am really happy to see her healthy – mentally and physically,” said Sabalenka.
“Every time she is improving and I can see she is getting back to her best.
“I’m enjoying fighting against her – she is such an incredible player.”
Raducanu could potentially secure a seeded position among the top 32 players at the upcoming US Open, offering a theoretically more favorable draw at the hard-court Grand Slam where she triumphed as a teenage qualifier in 2021.
Based on her performance against Sabalenka, Raducanu has ample reason for optimism heading into the final major tournament of the season.
Relive Raducanu’s narrow defeat by Sabalenka at Cincinnati Open
Her service game provided a robust foundation, complemented by composure and clarity from the baseline. The closely contested match in Cincinnati’s sweltering heat could have easily swayed in her favor.
Sabalenka’s performance was noticeably below her usual standard, with the powerful baseline game that has secured her three major titles appearing uncharacteristically vulnerable and inconsistent.
Raducanu, under the vocal guidance of her new coach Francisco Roig, capitalized on these opportunities.
Roig, a key member of Rafael Nadal’s team during his impressive haul of 22 major titles, demonstrated his meticulous approach throughout the match.
He provided regular instruction regarding Raducanu’s serve patterns and forehand technique, while also effectively employing positive reinforcement.
“You’re better than her,” was among the motivational messages delivered by the 57-year-old Spaniard.
Raducanu has previously struggled in similar high-pressure situations and physically demanding conditions.
Temperatures reached 32C during the match, exacerbated by high humidity in Ohio.
Her resilience was evident in a marathon eighth game during the decisive set, where she overcame four break points – enduring 12 deuces to hold serve after 22 minutes – showcasing her improved stamina in recent months.
Sabalenka, however, boasts an impressive record in tie-breaks. She demonstrated her composure by maintaining her nerve and executing crucial plays, extending her streak to 16 consecutive tie-break victories – an Open era record in WTA singles.
This allowed the 27-year-old Belarusian to triumph despite winning three fewer points than Raducanu throughout the match.
Despite the encouraging signs, Raducanu’s defeat signifies that she has only won three of her 17 matches against top-10 players and has yet to defeat an opponent ranked within the world’s top four.
She will be eager to rectify this record in the near future – perhaps in New York.
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