CINCINNATI — Britain's Emma Raducanu delivered a spirited performance against world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open, narrowly missing out on a statement victory in a thrilling three-set battle. Despite the 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 defeat, Raducanu's resurgence was evident as she pushed the reigning Australian Open champion to the limit.
Raducanu Shows Glimpses of Her Best Form
The 2021 US Open champion, who has struggled with injuries and form since her historic Grand Slam triumph, displayed flashes of her peak game against Sabalenka. Raducanu’s aggressive baseline play and improved movement suggested she is "getting back to my best," as she later told reporters. Her serve, often a weakness in recent months, held up well under pressure, with five aces and a 68% first-serve win rate.
Key improvements in Raducanu’s game included:
- Sharper footwork and court coverage
- More consistent depth on groundstrokes
- Better decision-making under pressure
Sabalenka Survives Scare
Sabalenka, known for her explosive power, was forced to dig deep against an inspired Raducanu. The Belarusian admitted post-match, "Emma played unbelievable today. She made me work for every point, and I had to raise my level in the third set." Sabalenka’s 42 winners offset her 35 unforced errors, while her clutch serving in the decider (winning 80% of first-serve points) proved decisive.
Turning Point: The Second-Set Tiebreak
Raducanu’s resilience shone in a tense second-set tiebreak, where she saved two match points before leveling the contest. A stunning backhand down the line at 5-5 electrified the crowd and underscored her growing confidence. "That’s the Emma we’ve been waiting to see," remarked former British No. 1 Tim Henman on commentary.
What This Means for Raducanu
Though she fell short, Raducanu’s performance signals a promising trajectory ahead of the US Open, where she will defend her 2021 ranking points. Coach Dmitry Tursunov noted, "She’s trusting her game again. The wins will come if she keeps this level." Analysts highlighted her improved physical conditioning and tactical adaptability—a stark contrast to her struggles earlier this season.
Raducanu’s recent results:
- R2 exit at Wimbledon (lost to Garcia)
- Semifinals at Citi Open (retired due to injury)
- Pushed Sabalenka to three sets in Cincinnati
Sabalenka’s Road Ahead
The top seed advances to the quarterfinals, where she faces a potential rematch with Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová. Sabalenka, seeking her sixth title of 2023, remains on course to retain her world No. 1 ranking. "Matches like this prepare me for the Slams," she said. "Emma made me fight for every ball, and that’s what I need."
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Raducanu
While the loss stings, Raducanu’s performance against the world’s best player reaffirms her potential. "I’m not here for moral victories, but I know I’m on the right path," she stated. With the US Open looming, her Cincinnati run—marked by grit and glimpses of brilliance—hints at a player rediscovering her champion’s mentality.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, remains the favorite in Cincinnati but acknowledged Raducanu’s threat: "She’s coming back strong. Next time, it could be even tougher." For tennis fans, this clash was a tantalizing preview of battles to come.