Emma Raducanu’s Cincinnati Open run ended in a dramatic three-set setback against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, after a baby in the stands briefly disrupted the final service point. The 22-year-old British No. 1 pushed the top-seeded Sabalenka to the limit, but Sabalenka prevailed 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) in just over three hours of tense tennis.
As Raducanu prepared to serve in the deciding set, a crying infant drew attention from the baseline. The chair umpire acknowledged the disruption, joking that she could remove the child, and Raducanu, with a shrug and a smile, signaled understanding as the crowd cheered the moment of levity. In Cincinnati, players are expected to keep noise to a minimum during points, making the extended duel even more demanding on concentration.
Sunday’s match was their second meeting of the year, following Sabalenka’s win over Raducanu at Wimbledon last month. The marathon clash saw Raducanu start strong with an early break point opportunity, only for Sabalenka to respond and take the opening set in a tiebreak. Raducanu answered in the second, leveling the match with a break of serve, before both players held firm in the decider and forced another tiebreak, where Sabalenka narrowly earned the victory.
Sabalenka moves into the Round of 16 to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while Raducanu’s next stop is the United States Open, where she again features in the main draw of the women’s singles. This marks a return to the tour’s final major after a challenging period in 2024, including a four-week absence and difficult times in New York, though she has described feeling more settled and calmer this season.
Raducanu rose to prominence at 18 as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Extra context and value-added notes:
– Raducanu is navigating a coaching change with Francis Roig joining her team, an adaptation phase that could influence her performance at majors this season.
– The Cincinnati match showcased Raducanu’s resilience and mental fortitude, even when the atmosphere tested her focus.
– Sabalenka’s victory reinforces her position as the favorite in a tournament stacked with high-ranked players, while Raducanu’s progress signals potential for a deep run at the upcoming Grand Slam.
– The match highlighted the challenge of performing at peak level in a long, grueling three-setter, especially in a setting where external distractions can briefly intrude.
Summary:
Raducanu and Sabalenka delivered a gripping, long battle at the Cincinnati Open, with Raducanu falling just short in a deciding-set tiebreak. The result keeps Raducanu in good form heading to the U.S. Open, while Sabalenka advances and eyes subsequent rounds.
Positive takeaway:
Raducanu showed grit and the ability to push a world No. 1 to the limit, reinforcing confidence ahead of the U.S. Open and underscoring her continued growth with a new coaching setup.