Emma Raducanu is set for a potential showdown with Aryna Sabalenka after the Wimbledon drama that left the British star in tears. Raducanu heads to the Cincinnati Open with a first-round bye and will take on either Katie Boulter or Olga Danilovic in round two.
Should she triumph, a rematch with world No.1 Sabalenka is on the cards. It would be their first face-off since the dramatic third-round meeting at SW19, which Sabalenka won 7-6(6) 6-4.
The match was slightly overshadowed by a disputed call when a Sabalenka serve at 2-4, 15-0 seemingly went wide but wasn’t called. Raducanu returned the serve, but Sabalenka scored with a forehand winner and held her serve. Raducanu was overheard querying the chair umpire: “You saw it out as well, right?”
Post-match, Raducanu revealed technical frustrations—she felt her rackets “were flying” and had to send several for re-stringing, which disrupted her rhythm. The change in conditions—with the roof closed—didn’t help. Sabalenka, noting similar issues with the balls due to humidity under the roof, credited her team for being better prepared with multiple racket tensions ready.
Setting Up the Rematch
At the Cincinnati Open, both players have first-round byes. Raducanu—seeded 30th—will begin her campaign against either Olga Danilovic or Katie Boulter. If successful, she may face Sabalenka in the third round, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.
A New Coaching Partnership
Adding to the drama, Raducanu has appointed Francisco Roig—famed for his long-term work with Rafael Nadal—as her full-time coach. The collaboration begins at Cincinnati, aiming to improve technical aspects like her serve and build stability ahead of the US Open.
What’s at Stake
- Raducanu: A chance to avenge her Wimbledon loss and gain momentum under new coaching, boosting confidence heading into New York.
- Sabalenka: The world No. 1 and defending champion, looking to assert dominance and best Raducanu again on a fast hard court.
Final Thoughts
Expect another tight, emotionally charged match. Raducanu’s resurgence, paired with her new coaching setup, might just push Sabalenka more than last time. Yet Sabalenka’s composure and experience under pressure make her the favorite.
Will Raducanu pull off a redemption win, or will Sabalenka reaffirm her superiority en route to another title?
Stay tuned.
