Ruthless Rybakina Ends Raducanu’s US Open 2025 Run
Emma Raducanu was aiming to reach the second week of the US Open for only the second time

Ruthless Rybakina Ends Raducanu’s US Open 2025 Run

Ruthless Rybakina Ends Raducanu’s US Open 2025 Run

Emma Raducanu’s hopes of a deep run at the US Open 2025 were crushed by ninth seed Elena Rybakina, who delivered a clinical 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 62 minutes under the lights at Flushing Meadows.

The 22-year-old Brit had arrived at the tournament with renewed confidence, having shown signs of a return to form in her opening two matches. But against the power and precision of Rybakina, Raducanu was unable to impose herself in any phase of the match.

“In every department she was better,” Raducanu admitted post-match. “I just feel like I was on the receiving end of everything she did well.”

A Rough Reality Check for Raducanu

Raducanu was broken at love in the opening game and struggled to recover. Her first-serve percentage dipped significantly compared to earlier rounds, allowing Rybakina to pounce with punishing returns and take immediate control.

The Kazakh, a 2022 Wimbledon champion, ripped through Raducanu’s service games, securing four breaks and hitting 23 winners, including several clean strikes off both wings that left her opponent scrambling.

Despite a strong US swing, Raducanu has now lost 15 of 18 career matches against top-10 players, underscoring the gap she still needs to close at the very highest level.

“I need to try my best to not let this match overshadow all the good work I’ve been doing,” Raducanu said.

From Optimism to Elimination

Returning to the site of her 2021 fairytale title run, Raducanu had looked increasingly composed. Wins over Ena Shibahara and Janice Tjen showcased improved serving, shot selection, and movement.

But Rybakina’s flat, heavy hitting didn’t allow her time to build any momentum. Even when Raducanu opened the second set up 40-0, she was broken — a telling moment that highlighted the pressure she was under.

Raducanu’s coach Francisco Roig has emphasized improvements in serve and court positioning, but the step up in opposition exposed a need for further refinement, especially when facing aggressive baseline hitters.

What’s Next?

Elena Rybakina advances to face either Jasmine Paolini (7) or Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, in the fourth round — with a potential first-ever quarter-final at Flushing Meadows now in sight.

Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, will look to regroup and build on the gains she’s made this summer. She is on the verge of returning to the WTA Top 30, and despite this setback, remains one of Britain’s brightest hopes in women’s tennis.

Cameron Norrie will now carry the British flag in New York as he prepares for a third-round clash with Novak Djokovic later on Friday.

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