Raducanu pushes Sabalenka to the limit in a 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 classic lasting over three hours
Emma Raducanu came within a handful of points of one of the biggest wins of her career but was edged out by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open, losing 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) after three hours and nine minutes of gruelling tennis.
The 22-year-old Briton, who has been working to bridge the gap between herself and the game’s elite, delivered one of her most complete performances to date, showcasing improved serving, intelligent shot selection, and unwavering resilience.
Raducanu stormed into the match, winning the first nine points under 32°C heat and heavy humidity. But the momentum shifted quickly. As Sabalenka settled, Raducanu’s second serve faltered at key moments. A double fault at 1-3 in the first-set tie-break proved costly, and the Belarusian took the set.
Refusing to be rattled, Raducanu began the second set with renewed precision on serve. Landing 82% of first serves and winning 75% of those points, she applied sustained pressure on Sabalenka, who began to pile up unforced errors — 72 in total by the end of the match. A well-timed break at 3-3 set Raducanu on course to level the match.
After a bathroom break to escape the humidity, Raducanu returned first, receiving encouragement from new coach Francisco Roig, who repeatedly told her: “You’re better than her.” She continued to hold serve comfortably until 3-4, when she faced the match’s pivotal moment — a 13-deuce, 20-minute service game in which she saved four break points before finally holding.
The battle moved inevitably to a deciding tie-break. Sabalenka, who has now remarkably won 16 consecutive tie-breaks, found her best tennis under pressure, closing the match with an ace.
While Sabalenka’s level fluctuated, her ability to win despite 72 errors was a reminder of her status as one of the game’s most reliable competitors. For Raducanu, the narrow defeat underlined her progress in recent months. She absorbed Sabalenka’s power, attacked with her forehand at the right moments, and mixed in an improved backhand slice to great effect.
This match follows a tight two-set loss to Sabalenka at Wimbledon, and Raducanu has since carried that form into the North American hard court season. With consistent performances and growing confidence, she heads to the US Open in her best shape since winning the title four years ago.
Though this result will sting, the performance suggests Raducanu is closing the gap on the sport’s very best — and, perhaps soon, will be able to finish the job.