Emma Raducanu kicked off her Cincinnati Open campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-3, 6-2 in her first match under the guidance of new coach Francis Roig. The British No. 1, who recently added Rafael Nadal’s former mentor to her team full-time, showcased her growing confidence as she builds momentum ahead of the US Open. Despite a shaky start—dropping her opening service game—Raducanu quickly regained control, dominating with her aggressive baseline play and sealing the first set with an ace.
The 22-year-old continued her strong form in the second set, capitalizing on Danilovic’s errors before breaking for a 3-2 lead. From there, Raducanu didn’t look back, winning the next three games to secure a straight-sets victory. “I’m really building some momentum,” she said post-match. “I’ve stayed pretty consistent over the last few months, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m putting in the hours and trusting the process.”
Her next challenge will be a tough third-round clash against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in straight sets at Wimbledon last month. Sabalenka, fresh off a Wimbledon semi-final exit, overcame Czech Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1 in a match where she saved 12 break points. Meanwhile, reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek cruised past Russia’s Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4, and Australian Open winner Madison Keys staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Germany’s Eva Lys 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1).
With Roig now in her corner, Raducanu will hope to carry this form into her showdown with Sabalenka—a match that could prove pivotal in her preparations for the US Open, where she famously triumphed as a qualifier in 2021.