Emma Raducanu produced her most impressive performance of 2025 to defeat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5 at the Washington Open, battling back from 5-2 down in the second set to reach her first semifinal since her fairytale 2021 US Open triumph. The 22-year-old Briton, now ranked 47th after years of injury struggles, showcased her trademark fighting spirit in sweltering conditions to topple the former world No. 3.
The victory capped a dream week for Raducanu, who had already upset seventh seed Marta Kostyuk and four-time major champion Naomi Osaka. “I’ve banked so much work behind the scenes,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “When you start getting results, that confidence builds naturally.” Her reward is a semifinal against either Anna Kalinskaya or fourth seed Clara Tauson as she eyes a first WTA final in nearly four years.
The match turned in a dramatic second-set comeback. After Sakkari, the 2023 Washington runner-up, served for the set at 5-2, Raducanu reeled off five consecutive games – saving two set points at 5-3 – to seal victory in two hours. The brutal conditions took their toll, with Raducanu requiring physio attention and admitting she felt “wobbly” in the closing stages. “You have to enjoy suffering in this heat,” she said.
Raducanu’s resurgence extends to doubles, where she and partner Elena Rybakina reached the semifinals. The dual success marks her most consistent tournament since her Grand Slam breakthrough, with her game showing renewed confidence and tactical maturity under coach Nick Cavaday.