In a highly anticipated clash at the Citi Open in Washington, Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to defeat 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2, securing her spot in the quarter-finals.
The matchup, pitting 2 former US Open winners against each other for the 1st time, demonstrated Raducanu’s sharp form and growing confidence on hard courts.
Raducanu, ranked No. 46, controlled the match from the outset, dealing with Osaka’s powerful game with precision. She saved both break points she faced and capitalized on 3 of 4 break opportunities against Osaka’s serve.
“I’m serving better, and that helps a lot,” Raducanu said after the match. “I always returned pretty decent, but the element of just when I serve well, it does add another dimension to my game.”
Her improved serve, honed under the guidance of hitting partner Alexis Canter in the absence of a full-time coach, was a standout feature, with key service winners and an ace helping her close out the 1st set in 37 minutes.
Osaka, who struggled with 7 double faults, acknowledged Raducanu’s edge in crucial moments. “I feel like from the baseline, I was doing pretty well,” Osaka said. “I think there are certain situations where she got 1 more ball back and I was kind of just looking and waiting.”
The Japanese star, still working her way back to top form after the birth of her daughter Shai 2 years ago, couldn’t find her rhythm against Raducanu’s relentless returns and aggressive forehand play.
The 1st set saw Raducanu break Osaka in the 5th game, capitalizing on a double fault to take a 3-2 lead. She held firm, sealing the set 6-4 with an unreturned serve.
The 2nd set followed a similar pattern, with Raducanu breaking early after Osaka netted a backhand. Despite a brief moment of pressure—saving a break point in the 4th game with a forced error—Raducanu maintained her composure, breaking again in the 5th game and serving out the match on her 2nd match point after a powerful serve.
“I thought it was going to be a really difficult match,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “Naomi’s won 4 slams, she’s been world No. 1, won Masters [titles]. She’s so dangerous and on the hard courts I think she’s particularly comfortable. I knew I was going to have to play really well and manage my own service games, which I’m really proud of how I did.”
The victory propels Raducanu back to the British No. 1 ranking, overtaking Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter, and positions her for a potential return to the top 40. Her next challenge is a quarter-final clash with Maria Sakkari, against whom she holds an unbeaten 3-0 record. With her recent form and a strong serve, Raducanu is setting herself up to make a deep run in Washington as she builds momentum for the upcoming US Open.
However, Sakkari is starting to find form too, after a horror 12 months, so it will be another match which will garner plenty of attention.
Elsewhere in the tournament, top seed Jessica Pegula fell to Leylah Fernandez in a three-set battle, 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, while Venus Williams lost to Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-2, ending her bid for a first win streak since 2019.
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