WASHINGTON — Emma Raducanu's hopes of a deep run at the Citi Open were dashed in a dramatic three-set loss to Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, with the British star receiving what some have called an "outrageous" verdict from the chair umpire during a pivotal moment in the match.
The 21-year-old Raducanu, who has been working her way back from multiple surgeries, showed flashes of her 2021 US Open-winning brilliance but ultimately fell 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in a grueling two-hour, 45-minute battle. The match, however, was overshadowed by controversy when Raducanu was denied a crucial challenge late in the third set, a decision that left fans and commentators stunned.
The Controversial Call
With Raducanu trailing 4-5 in the deciding set, she appeared to have won a point when Kostyuk’s forehand was called long. The Ukrainian immediately challenged, and Hawk-Eye confirmed the ball had clipped the line. However, Raducanu argued that she had not heard the initial call and had stopped playing, but the umpire awarded the point to Kostyuk regardless.
Raducanu’s reaction said it all—she stared in disbelief, shaking her head before turning to the umpire and saying, "That’s outrageous. I stopped playing. How is that fair?" The crowd erupted in boos, with even Kostyuk looking momentarily uncomfortable as she prepared to serve for the match.
Kostyuk’s Reaction Speaks Volumes
While Kostyuk ultimately secured the victory, her muted celebration and post-match comments hinted at the contentious nature of the ending. "It’s never easy when something like that happens," she admitted in her on-court interview. "Emma is a great player, and I hope she keeps improving."
Tennis analysts were quick to weigh in on social media, with many siding with Raducanu. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman called the decision "a terrible misjudgment at a critical moment." Meanwhile, fans pointed out that Kostyuk’s subdued reaction suggested she knew the call had been controversial.
Raducanu’s Road to Recovery
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance had bright spots, particularly her improved movement and aggressive baseline play. This was only her fourth tournament since returning from wrist and ankle surgeries, and she has shown steady progress:
- Reached the semifinals in Nottingham
- Pushed world No. 5 Jessica Pegula to three sets at Eastbourne
- Displayed resilience in multiple three-set matches at the Citi Open
Her coach, Nick Cavaday, praised her mentality post-match: "She’s building. The physicality is coming back, and the confidence will follow. Today was a tough one, but she’s handling setbacks better than ever."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Raducanu is expected to compete in the Canadian Open next, where she will look to build momentum ahead of the US Open. A wildcard entry is likely, given her status as a former champion. While rankings remain a concern—she’s currently No. 135—her recent performances suggest a climb back into the top 100 is within reach.
As for Kostyuk, she advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face top seed Jessica Pegula. When asked about the contentious ending, she diplomatically said, "Tennis is full of tough moments. You have to move on and focus on the next point."
Conclusion
While the loss stings for Raducanu, the bigger takeaway may be her continued progress after a challenging year. The controversial call, though unfortunate, doesn’t overshadow the strides she’s made. As one fan tweeted, "If this is Emma at 70%, imagine what 100% looks like." The tennis world will be watching closely as she gears up for the hardcourt swing.