Emma Raducanu secured her place in the semi-finals of the Washington Open for the first time, defeating Greece’s Maria Sakkari with a score of 6-4, 7-5. The match, held on a sweltering day with temperatures reaching up to 36C, saw both players contend not only with each other but also with the extreme heat.
After a shaky start where Raducanu lost the opening game and dropped serve in a lengthy second game, she quickly regained her composure. The 22-year-old Briton broke back immediately and, after a series of exchanges, managed to take the first set 6-4. A pivotal moment came when Sakkari, struggling with her game, mishit a drop-volley, allowing Raducanu to break for a 4-3 lead.
Raducanu Battles Through Heat and Adversity
As the match progressed, Sakkari, celebrating her 30th birthday, took a 4-2 lead in the second set. The oppressive heat began to take its toll, prompting Raducanu to call for a physio. This break proved beneficial, as it revitalized her focus. Raducanu then won five consecutive games, sealing her victory after two hours and ten minutes of play.
“My confidence has been building since Miami,” Raducanu stated in an interview with the WTA. “The amount of work I’m doing behind the scenes, to have that in the locker and banked; you know you’ve done it, it takes a little pressure off the results.” She expressed appreciation for Sakkari’s performance, acknowledging the challenging conditions that suited her opponent’s style of play.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
With this victory, Raducanu moves on to face either Clara Tauson or Anna Kalinskaya in the semi-finals. The match is expected to be highly competitive as Raducanu continues to build momentum heading deeper into the tournament.
This achievement marks another milestone in Raducanu’s career as she seeks to replicate her stunning triumph at the 2021 US Open. Her resilience on the court amid challenging conditions showcases her growth and determination as a professional athlete.
