CINCINNATI — Emma Raducanu continued her impressive resurgence with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory over Serbia's Olga Danilovic in the opening round of the Western & Southern Open, marking her first match under the guidance of her new coach, Nick Cavaday.
The 2021 US Open champion, who has battled injuries and inconsistency since her historic Grand Slam triumph, delivered a near-flawless performance against Danilovic, showcasing the kind of aggressive baseline play and mental resilience that once propelled her to stardom. Raducanu needed just 78 minutes to dispatch her opponent, firing 23 winners to Danilovic’s 12 while committing only 14 unforced errors.
A Statement Win Under New Guidance
Raducanu’s victory was her first competitive outing since reuniting with childhood coach Nick Cavaday, who previously worked with her during her junior career. The partnership appears to be paying immediate dividends, as Raducanu displayed improved shot selection and tactical discipline throughout the match. "It’s great to have Nick back in my corner," Raducanu said in her post-match interview. "We have a strong connection, and he understands my game inside out. Today was a step in the right direction."
Danilovic, a qualifier ranked No. 125, struggled to handle Raducanu’s relentless depth and precision. The Brit broke serve five times and saved four of the five break points she faced, demonstrating a newfound composure in pressure moments—a stark contrast to some of her recent performances.
Key Factors in Raducanu’s Dominance
Raducanu’s performance was built on several key improvements:
- First Serve Efficiency: She landed 68% of her first serves, winning 76% of those points—a significant upgrade from her season average.
- Backhand Down-the-Line: Her backhand, often a liability in recent months, was a weapon, particularly when redirecting cross-court rallies down the line.
- Net Play: Raducanu won 10 of 12 net approaches, showing increased confidence in closing out points.
Danilovic, who had won three qualifying matches to reach the main draw, admitted she was outplayed. "Emma was just too good today," the Serbian said. "She didn’t give me any rhythm, and every time I tried to change things up, she had an answer."
Looking Ahead: A Tough Road in Cincinnati
Raducanu’s next challenge will be far stiffer—she faces world No. 8 and recent Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in the second round. Jabeur, known for her crafty drop shots and variety, presents a completely different test than Danilovic’s power-based game.
Raducanu acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup but remained optimistic: "Ons is an incredible player, and I’ll have to be at my best. But I’m feeling good, and I’ll take it one point at a time." A win over Jabeur would mark Raducanu’s first top-10 victory since her US Open run.
The Cavaday Effect
Cavaday, who previously coached Raducanu at the Bromley Tennis Centre, has emphasized simplifying her game and reinforcing her strengths. Early signs suggest his influence is already making a difference, particularly in Raducanu’s decision-making under pressure.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted the immediate impact: "Emma looked more composed today. She wasn’t overhitting or second-guessing herself. That’s a credit to Nick’s calming presence."
A Promising Sign for the US Open
With the US Open just weeks away, Raducanu’s performance in Cincinnati could be a turning point in her season. After missing much of 2023 due to wrist and ankle surgeries, she has slowly rebuilt her ranking—now back inside the top 150—and appears to be regaining the form that made her a global sensation.
If she maintains this level, Raducanu could be a dangerous floater in New York. As she put it: "I’m just enjoying playing freely again. That’s when I’m at my best."