Emma Raducanu's US Open campaign ended in disappointment on Wednesday as she suffered a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2 defeat to Elena Rybakina in the third round. The British No 1 was outclassed by the 2022 Wimbledon champion in just 62 minutes at Louis Armstrong Stadium, unable to cope with Rybakina's powerful serving and aggressive baseline play.
Raducanu, who had dropped only six games in her first two matches, struggled from the outset as Rybakina's first serve neutralised her return, her biggest strength. The Kazakhstani's constant depth and pace forced Raducanu behind the baseline, leaving her with little opportunity to dictate play. By the second set, the 2021 US Open champion appeared to lose belief in her ability to turn the match around.
This defeat marks the end of a grand slam season in which Raducanu has faced an extraordinary trio of opponents: Iga Swiatek (twice), Aryna Sabalenka, and now Rybakina. While she pushed Swiatek close at Wimbledon, the other meetings have been one-sided. 'I've lost to Iga twice, Aryna and Elena, so it's tough,' Raducanu said. 'But that's where I'm at with my ranking. I can play top opponents in the first, second or third round. So I've just got to do my best in the next few months until Australia to keep working to close the gap.'
Since teaming up with Spanish coach Francisco Roig less than four weeks ago, Raducanu has focused on improving to consistently trouble top players. She acknowledged that their partnership is in its early stages. 'Today my weaknesses were highlighted, but it's only been three weeks, and he can't work miracles,' she said. 'I know we're doing good work, and I look forward to continuing.'
Despite the loss, Raducanu leaves New York with positives. She won matches at the US Open for the first time since her 2021 title and has climbed to a live ranking of No 34, putting her on the verge of being seeded at grand slams again. 'I think when the very top play against me, they have a point to prove,' she added. 'I'll take that as a compliment that they've decided to really lock in against me, but it does show I have a lot more work to do.'
