Emma Raducanu’s Journey Continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s hard to believe that Emma Raducanu is still just 22 years old.

Though she has only one title to her name, it was a remarkable achievement: winning the 2021 US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier. Since that milestone, her path has been challenging, marked by scrutiny as her body has struggled with the rigors of professional tennis.

After undergoing three surgeries in 2023 and taking an eight-month break, Raducanu is gradually regaining her form. On Tuesday, she made significant strides by defeating No. 7 seed Marta Kostyuk with a score of 7-6(4), 6-4 at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in a match lasting nearly two hours.

Raducanu moves on to the second round, where she will meet former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who triumphed over Yulia Putintseva with a score of 6-2, 7-5. It’s an exciting match since Raducanu and Osaka have never faced each other before. “I think it’s a fantastic match for spectators,” Raducanu stated. “Playing top opponents like Naomi is an incredible opportunity.”

Both players have experienced the high of winning Grand Slam titles but have faced difficulties in recent years. Osaka, who is 27, missed the entire 2023 season after giving birth to her first child. Her current record of 21-10 is notable but comes with the weight of expectations from her four Grand Slam victories.

Despite struggles this year, including losses in key matches, Osaka finds comfort on hard courts, the surface on which she originally thrived. “I need to believe in myself,” she commented, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence in her game.

In her battle against Kostyuk, Raducanu managed to edge out her opponent, who was ranked No. 27. The first set was tightly contested, with both players winning 48 points before Raducanu clinched it through a tiebreak. The second set saw her maintaining momentum, ultimately leading to her victory after breaking Kostyuk’s serve at a pivotal moment.