WASHINGTON — Emma Raducanu has stormed into the Citi Open semi-finals with a dominant performance, defeating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 in a match that not only showcased her resurgence but also spoiled her American rival's birthday celebrations.
The 21-year-old British sensation, who burst onto the scene with her historic 2021 US Open triumph, appears to be regaining her best form at just the right moment. Her victory over world No. 5 Pegula marks her first Top 10 win since that fairy-tale run in New York nearly three years ago, sending a clear message to the tennis world ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.
Raducanu's Resurgence Gathers Pace
Raducanu's Washington campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, dropping just one set en route to the last four. Her aggressive baseline game, coupled with improved serving consistency, has left opponents scrambling. "I'm just enjoying competing again," Raducanu told reporters after the match. "When I play with that freedom, good things happen."
The statistics tell a compelling story of Raducanu's Washington dominance:
- 83% first serve points won against Pegula
- 28 winners to just 14 unforced errors in the quarter-final
- Broken just twice in her last three matches
Birthday Spoiler With a Purpose
The timing of Raducanu's victory added extra significance, coming on Pegula's 30th birthday. "I told Jess happy birthday at the net - hopefully she can still enjoy her day," Raducanu said with a smile during her on-court interview.
Pegula, who had been seeking to become the first American woman to win the Citi Open since 2011, acknowledged Raducanu's superior play: "Emma was just too good today. She served incredibly well and took her chances when they came. I'll have to regroup before Montreal next week."
US Open Momentum Building
With the US Open just three weeks away, Raducanu's Washington run couldn't be better timed. The 2021 champion currently sits at No. 168 in the world rankings after her lengthy injury absence, but this performance suggests she could be a dangerous floater in New York. Her current trajectory mirrors her pre-US Open 2021 form, when she reached the Wimbledon fourth round as a qualifier.
Key improvements in Raducanu's game include:
- More consistent first serve percentage (68% in Washington vs. 58% season average)
- Reduced unforced errors from her backhand wing
- Improved movement and defensive skills
Coaching Change Paying Dividends
Raducanu's partnership with coach Nick Cavaday, who previously worked with her during her junior days, appears to be bearing fruit. The British player has spoken about the comfort of working with someone who understands her game intimately. "Nick knows me so well, we don't need to overcomplicate things," she revealed earlier in the tournament.
Semi-Final Challenge Ahead
Standing between Raducanu and a place in the final is Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia, the tournament's fourth seed. The left-hander presents a different challenge with her heavy topspin game, but Raducanu remains confident: "I've been playing well against lefties recently. I'll stick to my gameplan and trust my shots."
Should Raducanu lift the Citi Open trophy, she would become the first British woman to win a WTA 500 event since Johanna Konta in 2017. More importantly, it would send shockwaves through the US Open draw, where she remains unseeded but increasingly dangerous. As one courtside observer noted: "When Emma's playing like this, with that combination of power and precision, she can beat anyone."