In an eagerly anticipated face-off at the 2025 China Open, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu is set to take on 5th seed Jessica Pegula in the Round of 32. Both competitors have advanced from the initial round without dropping a set, showcasing their formidable form. Despite a slight edge in head-to-head history favoring Pegula at 2-1, Raducanu is equipped with the talent to overturn expectations and progress further in the tournament.
Jessica Pegula, now ranked 7th in the WTA Rankings, enters this clash with an impressive track record in 2025. Having secured title victories in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg, and reaching finals in Adelaide and Miami, Pegula’s year has been marked by a 72% success rate. Her recent performance against Ajla Tomljanovic resulted in a commanding 6-0, 6-3 win, reflecting her consistent prowess on court.
Emma Raducanu, once the breakout star at Flushing Meadows in 2021, is experiencing a resurgence in the latter half of 2025. Despite lacking a title since her monumental US Open win, she has consistently demonstrated her skills through a string of robust performances, including a semifinal at the Citi DC Open and quarterfinal appearances in Miami and at Queen’s Club. Her first-round win over Cristina Bucsa, marked by powerful serves and strategic play, sets up an intriguing matchup against Pegula.
Notably, their upcoming match will be the first on neutral turf in Beijing, breaking the pattern of their previous encounters on home grounds. With both players adept at baseline exchanges, the duel promises intense rallies and strategic play. While Pegula’s down-the-line shots are a notable strength, Raducanu’s cross-court winners make her a formidable opponent. The conditions in China might level the playing field, offering Raducanu a promising opportunity to even the score in their rivalry.
Predictions give Raducanu a fighting chance, with many anticipating a closely contested three-set encounter. The betting odds slightly favor Pegula, yet Raducanu’s recent momentum and adaptability could turn the tables, offering an exciting narrative in the 2025 China Open. The winner will face either Marta Kostyuk or Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the pre-quarterfinal, adding another layer of anticipation to this match.
With both athletes eager to assert dominance, the upcoming match promises thrilling tennis and an opportunity for Raducanu to reclaim her standing among the top contenders, while Pegula seeks to solidify her impressive run this season.