In a blockbuster opening round draw that has stunned the US Open, Britain's Emma Raducanu is set for a monumental clash against the powerful third seed, Elena Rybakina.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Wednesday, 28th August, and will be the second encounter of the evening session on the formidable Arthur Ashe Stadium court. With play commencing at 7:00 p.m. ET (12:00 a.m. BST, Thursday morning), fans are advised that the start time is approximate and depends on the length of the preceding match.
A Daunting Challenge for the British Underdog
This match presents a formidable challenge for the 21-year-old Raducanu. Since her fairytale title win in New York in 2021, her career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent form. She arrives at this year's tournament ranked world No. 103 and required a wildcard to enter the main draw.
Her opponent, however, is in a different league. Kazakhstan's Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, is currently ranked world No. 4 and is considered one of the most feared hard-court players on the tour, renowned for her blistering serve and aggressive baseline game.
How to Watch the Match in the UK
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Tennis. Coverage of the night session begins at midnight BST. Subscribers can also stream the action live via the Sky Go app.
This first-round encounter is undoubtedly one of the toughest draws Raducanu could have faced, setting the stage for a thrilling and high-stakes battle under the New York lights.
