CINCINNATI — British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been handed a brutal draw at the Cincinnati Open, casting doubt on her chances of building momentum ahead of the US Open later this month. The 2021 US Open champion, who is making her return to the tournament for the first time since 2022, faces a daunting path filled with top-ranked opponents.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 115 in the world after a series of injury setbacks, will open against a qualifier in the first round. However, should she advance, she is projected to face world No. 8 and two-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur in the second round—a matchup that could derail her hopes early.
A Tough Road Ahead
The 21-year-old’s struggles with form and fitness have been well-documented since her historic US Open triumph three years ago. Her participation in Cincinnati marks another step in her comeback, but the draw has done her no favors. Beyond Jabeur, potential opponents in later rounds include:
- Jessica Pegula (World No. 5) – A consistent hard-court performer
- Iga Świątek (World No. 1) – The dominant force in women’s tennis
- Coco Gauff (World No. 4) – A rising star with a strong US Open record
Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "Emma’s focus is on regaining her rhythm and confidence. The draw is tough, but she’s prepared to fight. Every match is an opportunity to improve."
US Open Hopes in Jeopardy
The Cincinnati Open serves as a critical warm-up event for the US Open, which begins on August 26. Raducanu, who has not advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam since her 2021 victory, faces an uphill battle to regain her Flushing Meadows magic. A deep run in Cincinnati could have provided much-needed confidence, but the draw has made that prospect unlikely.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey weighed in, saying, "Emma needs matches, but she also needs wins. Facing top-10 players this early is a brutal test. If she can’t get past the first few rounds, her US Open preparations will suffer."
Injury Concerns Linger
Raducanu’s career has been hampered by persistent injuries, including wrist and ankle issues that required surgeries in 2023. While she has shown flashes of her old self in recent tournaments, her physical durability remains a question mark. The grueling nature of the Cincinnati draw—with potential back-to-back matches against elite opponents—could further strain her body.
A source close to her team revealed, "Emma’s fitness is improving, but she’s not yet at 100%. The priority is ensuring she’s healthy for the US Open, even if that means managing her workload in Cincinnati."
Looking Ahead
Despite the tough draw, Raducanu remains optimistic. In a recent interview, she said, "I’m just happy to be back competing. Every tournament is a chance to learn and grow. I’m not focusing on rankings or draws—just my game."
Her fans, however, are bracing for a difficult week. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some expressing frustration at her luck with draws, while others remain hopeful she can defy expectations. One supporter tweeted, "If anyone can overcome adversity, it’s Emma. Never count her out."
The Cincinnati Open begins on August 11, with Raducanu’s first-round match scheduled for Monday. Should she survive the early rounds, her path will only get tougher—a scenario that could either reignite her career or further dampen her US Open prospects.
As the tennis world watches closely, one thing is certain: Raducanu’s resilience will be tested once again. Whether she can rise to the occasion remains to be seen.