Emma Raducanu beat Naomi Osaka in straight units, 6-4, 6-2, within the Mubadala Citi DC Open on Thursday (July 24). With the win, she sealed her quarterfinals spot in Washington. The 2021 Flushing Meadows winner outplayed Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, with a commanding efficiency.
What occurred within the match?
Emma Raducanu was dominant from the start of the sport. The primary set noticed her break Osaka’s serve at 3-2, capitalizing on a double fault from the previous world No. 1. Raducanu consolidated the break with a love maintain, sustaining a two-game lead. Osaka’s lengthy forehand handed Raducanu the primary set in simply 38 minutes.
The second set adopted an identical sample, with Raducanu breaking early and keeping off a break level to guide 3-1. One other Osaka double fault gifted Raducanu a 4-1 benefit, and she or he closed out the match with a robust first serve, saving a break level and changing her third match level.
Match stats
Statistically, Raducanu’s serving was a key issue. She boasted a 76% first-serve win fee and a 61% second-serve win fee, considerably outperforming Osaka’s 45% on second serves. Osaka struggled with seven double faults and did not convert both of her two break-point alternatives.
Emma Raducanu’s post-match interview
In her on-court interview, Raducanu expressed each aid and pleasure in her efficiency. “I believed it was going to be a extremely tough match,” she mentioned.
“Naomi has received 4 Slams, been world No. 1, she’s so harmful, and on the exhausting courts, I believe she is especially snug. So I knew I must play rather well and handle my service video games, which I’m actually pleased with how I did.”
She additionally highlighted her tactical method. “Should you float the second serve, Naomi will crunch it, and also you’ll be behind within the level. I needed to belief my talents on the second serve, and I went for it, and I believe there was simply the one double fault on the finish,” she famous.
Upcoming quarterfinals
Emma Raducanu is now set to face Maria Sakkari, who superior after defeating Emma Navarro 7-5, 7-6. Sakkari additionally eradicated Britain’s Katie Boulter earlier within the event, showcasing her sturdy kind.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Raducanu mentioned, “We now have performed just a few occasions, I believe the situations actually go well with her, she enjoys taking part in right here, she took out the second seed yesterday, so she’s in nice kind.”
