WASHINGTON — Emma Raducanu's impressive run at the Citi Open came to an end in the semi-finals as the British star fell to Maria Sakkari in a hard-fought three-set battle, dashing hopes of a repeat of her historic 2021 US Open triumph.
The 21-year-old, who had shown flashes of her Grand Slam-winning form earlier in the tournament, was ultimately overpowered by the Greek No. 4 seed, losing 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted over two hours. Despite the defeat, Raducanu's performance in Washington marked another step forward in her comeback from multiple surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023.
A Rollercoaster Match
Raducanu started slowly, struggling with Sakkari’s aggressive baseline play in the opening set. The Greek star capitalized on unforced errors from the Brit, breaking her serve twice to take the first set comfortably. However, Raducanu responded emphatically in the second, finding her rhythm and dictating play with her signature precision.
"I just had to reset after the first set," Raducanu said in her post-match press conference. "Maria was playing really well, but I knew if I could stay patient, I’d get my chances." Those chances came in the second set, where she broke Sakkari’s serve late to level the match.
Decider Goes Down to the Wire
The final set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks early. Raducanu saved two match points at 4-5 but ultimately succumbed to Sakkari’s relentless pressure. The Greek sealed victory with a powerful forehand winner, booking her place in the final against Jessica Pegula.
"It’s disappointing, of course," Raducanu admitted. "But I’m taking a lot of positives from this week. My body held up well, and I felt like I was competing at a high level again."
Signs of Progress
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance in Washington reinforced the belief that she is steadily regaining her best form. Key takeaways from her Citi Open campaign include:
- Improved fitness: Played multiple three-set matches without visible fatigue
- Strong serve: Averaged 5 aces per match, a notable improvement from earlier in the season
- Mental resilience: Fought back from a set down in two matches
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson praised Raducanu’s progress, telling Sky Sports: "This was her best tournament since her comeback. She’s moving better, striking the ball cleaner, and most importantly, she looks happy on court again."
Looking Ahead to the US Open
With the US Open just weeks away, Raducanu’s performance in Washington will boost her confidence as she aims to replicate her 2021 fairytale run. Though she remains unseeded, her recent form suggests she could be a dangerous floater in the draw.
"I’m not putting any expectations on myself," Raducanu said. "I’m just focusing on building my game match by match. If I keep working like this, good things will come."
Sakkari Advances to Final
For Sakkari, the victory extends her strong hard-court season. The Greek star, who has struggled with consistency in recent months, credited her mental toughness for the win. "Emma pushed me hard, but I stayed calm in the big moments," she said.
Sakkari will now face home favorite Jessica Pegula in what promises to be a thrilling Citi Open final. Pegula, the tournament’s top seed, defeated Marta Kostyuk in straight sets in the other semi-final.
Conclusion
While Raducanu’s Citi Open journey ended in the semi-finals, her performances this week have reignited optimism about her future. With improved fitness and growing confidence, the Brit appears poised to make noise at Flushing Meadows.
"This is just the beginning," Raducanu told reporters. "I’m excited to keep improving and see where this season takes me." For tennis fans, that’s a promising sign as the US Open approaches.