BEIJING — The draw for the 2023 China Open has thrown up a fascinating and potentially tricky path for Britain's Emma Raducanu, setting her on a collision course with an 'honorary Brit' in the early rounds. The tournament, a prestigious WTA 1000 event marking its return to the calendar after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, will see Raducanu face a qualifier in the first round, but a blockbuster second-round clash against World No. 11 and local favorite Liudmila Samsonova looms large.
Samsonova, a powerful Russian baseliner, has earned the 'honorary Brit' moniker from British tennis fans and media due to her remarkable, and somewhat baffling, dominance over British players. Her record against players from the United Kingdom is formidable, making her a particularly daunting prospect for Raducanu as she continues her comeback from multiple surgeries that sidelined her for much of the season.
A Daunting Record Against British Opposition
Liudmila Samsonova's affinity for defeating British opponents is a well-documented statistic that adds significant intrigue to this potential matchup. Her powerful, aggressive game seems tailor-made to disrupt the rhythm of the British contingent on the WTA tour. A look at her recent record is telling:
- She has won her last seven consecutive matches against British players.
- This streak includes victories over Raducanu herself, as well as Heather Watson and Katie Boulter.
- Notably, she defeated Raducanu in straight sets in their only previous meeting at the 2022 Canadian Open.
This pattern has not gone unnoticed. Tennis commentator and analyst Catherine Whitaker remarked on her podcast, "It's almost uncanny at this point."
Raducanu's Road to Recovery
For Emma Raducanu, the China Open represents a critical step in her long-awaited return to the upper echelons of the sport. After surgeries on both wrists and one ankle earlier this year, her comeback has been carefully managed. Her recent performances, including a hard-fought victory over Clara Burel in Portoroz and a competitive loss to Jelena Ostapenko, have shown flashes of the talent that propelled her to a historic US Open title in 2021. However, consistency and match sharpness remain works in progress.
Facing a qualifier in the first round provides an ideal opportunity to settle into the conditions in Beijing and build some momentum. The China Open's hard courts are typically fast, which should suit Raducanu's flat, aggressive groundstrokes. However, the potential second-round hurdle is as steep as they come, not just because of Samsonova's ranking, but because of the psychological edge her 'honorary Brit' status confers.
Samsonova: A Formidable Force
Liudmila Samsonova is far from a mere bogeyman for British players; she is a genuine top-tier threat capable of beating anyone on her day. Her game is built around a massive serve and punishing forehand, allowing her to dictate play and keep points short. She arrives in China in solid form, having reached the fourth round of the US Open and the final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington just weeks before. A former champion of the German Open and the Pan Pacific Open, Samsonova has proven she can win big titles on the WTA tour.
Her coach, Simone Tartarini, has previously spoken about her mental fortitude in big matches. "Liudmila thrives on the big stage. She is not intimidated by the occasion or the opponent across the net," he said in a recent interview. This mentality, combined with her powerful weapons, makes her an exceptionally dangerous floater in any draw.
The Stakes for Raducanu
A victory for Raducanu over Samsonova would be a massive statement. It would not only break the Russian's hex over British players but also represent by far the biggest win of Raducanu's comeback. The ranking points on offer at a WTA 1000 event are significant, and a deep run could see her make a substantial jump from her current protected ranking position back towards the top 100. More importantly, it would provide a huge confidence boost, affirming that her game and body are ready to compete with the best.
Conversely, a loss, while not disastrous given the quality of the opponent, would extend the narrative of Samsonova's dominance and highlight the work still to be done. The match-up presents a clear benchmark for Raducanu's progress. Former British number one Annabel Croft noted the significance, stating, "This is exactly the kind of test Emma needs right now. It's a measuring stick against a top player who has had her number."
A Crowd Divided in Beijing
The atmosphere for such a match would be electric. While Samsonova will undoubtedly enjoy some support as a regular competitor on the tour, Raducanu's unique heritage—born in Toronto to a Romanian father and Chinese mother—makes her a huge draw in Asia. Her fluency in Mandarin and clear connection to her mother's culture have endeared her to Chinese tennis fans. This was evident during her breakthrough run at the 2021 US Open, where she became a social media sensation in China.
The local crowd in Beijing would likely be split, creating a unique and potentially raucous environment. For Raducanu, who has spoken about the comfort she feels playing in Asia, this could be a factor that helps level the playing field against an in-form opponent. She has previously said, "I always feel a special connection when I play here. The fans are so passionate."
Looking Beyond the Second Round
Should Raducanu navigate her way past the qualifier and then pull off the upset against Samsonova, the challenges would not get any easier. Her section of the draw is packed with talent. A potential third-round encounter could pit her against either former World No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka or the powerful Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon winner. The path is undeniably brutal, a hallmark of the top-tier WTA 1000 events.
This difficult draw underscores the reality of Raducanu's current situation. After a long layoff, there are no easy passages. Every match is a battle, and every victory must be earned against the world's best. The China Open, therefore, is less about a deep run and more about accumulating valuable match practice, testing her game against elite opposition, and continuing the process of rebuilding her confidence and ranking.
Conclusion: A Litmus Test in Beijing
The stage is set for a compelling narrative at the China Open. Emma Raducanu's potential second-round clash with Liudmila Samsonova is more than just a tennis match; it's a storyline rich with subplots. It's a test of Raducanu's recovery, a battle against a known adversary, and a chance to win over a crowd that already holds her in high regard. The 'honorary Brit' awaits, and for Raducanu, it represents a perfect, if perilous, opportunity to gauge her progress and perhaps, exorcise a few demons along the way.
The tennis world will be watching closely. As one tournament director noted, "Emma brings a spotlight wherever she plays, and this matchup is box office." Whether she can overcome the formidable Samsonova remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: her journey at the China Open will be a telling chapter in the ongoing story of her comeback.