Emma Raducanu has powered her way into the semi-finals of the Hana Bank Korea Open with a commanding display that signals a formidable return to form. The British number one needed just one hour and 27 minutes on court to secure a decisive 6-3, 7-5 victory over Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer.
Demonstrating precision and power, the 19-year-old US Open champion fired an impressive six aces and broke her opponent's serve four times throughout the match. This dominant performance marks her most convincing run since her historic Grand Slam triumph in New York last year.
Raducanu's relentless aggression from the baseline proved too much for the experienced Wickmayer, who struggled to find answers to the Briton's powerful groundstrokes and strategic shot placement.
Road to the Semi-Finals
The victory sets up an exciting semi-final clash against top seed Jelena Ostapenko, the Latvian former French Open champion. This encounter promises to be a thrilling battle of Grand Slam winners and represents Raducanu's first semi-final appearance since her spectacular US Open victory.
Raducanu's coach, Dmitry Tursunov, appears to have found the right formula, with the young star showing increasing confidence with each match in Seoul. Her service game has been particularly impressive, conceding just two break points during her quarter-final match.
British Tennis on the Rise
Raducanu's success in Seoul comes alongside strong performances from other British players on the tour. This resurgence in British tennis fortunes is being closely watched by fans and pundits alike, with many seeing this tournament as a potential turning point in Raducanu's season.
The young Briton will be looking to maintain her momentum against Ostapenko as she continues her quest for a second WTA Tour title. With her confidence growing and her game clicking into place, Raducanu appears poised to make a significant impact in the latter stages of the tournament.
