Emma Raducanu steps up after a dominant run at the US Open and now faces Elena Rybakina in a high-stakes third-round clash in New York.
Raducanu has breezed through her first two rounds, delivering some of her best tennis since her stunning US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier four years ago. Her upcoming match against ninth seed and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will be her toughest test yet in this tournament, with the power-hitting Kazakh showing signs of form after a challenging spell.
Raducanu has drawn encouragement from two battles with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka—at Wimbledon and in Cincinnati—believing she can measure up against the game’s elite. The scale of the challenge is clear, however, given Rybakina’s recent run, including a straight-sets win over Sabalenka in Cincinnati’s quarter-finals.
On the men’s side at the same event, Cameron Norrie stands as Britain’s last remaining hope, preparing to take on Novak Djokovic as the British challenge continues to progress at Flushing Meadows. In the wider British picture, Jacob Fearnley was defeated by Alexander Zverev, and Jack Draper withdrew before his second-round match due to an arm injury.
What to watch in the Raducanu–Rybakina match
– Raducanu’s momentum: After a breakthrough performance at last year’s breakthrough, she is looking to translate her recent good form into a deep run in New York.
– Rybakina’s form and firepower: The former Wimbledon champion can rally big shots from the baseline and on serve, making her a tough tests for Raducanu’s return and movement.
– Mental edge and experience: Each player has ample big-match experience, but Raducanu will want to harness her confidence from recent battles with Sabalenka to challenge Rybakina’s punch.
Outlook: A win for Raducanu would keep her momentum going and could lay the groundwork for another strong showing in this year’s tournament, while a victory for Rybakina would reinforce her resurgence and remind the field of her big-game potential.
Summary: Raducanu is answering the call to step up again after her recent US Open form, with a high-profile test against Rybakina looming. The result could signal whether she continues to climb back toward the upper echelons of the game, while Djokovic’s continued form remains a benchmark for the men’s side as Norrie carries Britain’s hopes forward. A positive performance from Raducanu would offer a hopeful note for fans as the US Open moves deeper.