Emma Raducanu's hopes at the Cincinnati Open were dashed as she fell to world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought encounter. The British sensation, who has been working her way back to peak form, struggled to contain Sabalenka's powerful baseline game.
Match Highlights
The first set saw Sabalenka dominate with her aggressive serve and forehand, securing a 6-3 lead. Raducanu showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with her defensive skills, but was unable to sustain momentum against the Belarusian's relentless pressure.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sabalenka breaking early and maintaining her advantage to close out the match 6-3, 6-3. Despite the loss, Raducanu's performance demonstrated glimpses of the form that propelled her to US Open glory in 2021.
Post-Match Reactions
Raducanu acknowledged Sabalenka's superior play, stating: "She was just too good today. I'll take the positives and keep working on my game." The 21-year-old remains optimistic about her progress as she prepares for the upcoming US Open.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, praised Raducanu's potential: "Emma's a great player with a bright future. It's always tough playing against her." The victory strengthens Sabalenka's position as one of the favourites for the final Grand Slam of the year.
What's Next for Raducanu?
The British No. 1 will now turn her attention to the US Open, where she'll look to recapture the magic of her historic 2021 triumph. With improved fitness and match sharpness, tennis fans will be eager to see if Raducanu can make a deep run in New York.
