Emma Raducanu delivered another reminder of her fighting spirit on Monday night, pushing world number one Aryna Sabalenka to the brink in a thrilling three-hour encounter at the Cincinnati Open. The British number one eventually fell 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) in what proved to be one of the longest matches in tournament history.

The match, lasting three hours and nine minutes, served as a compelling rematch from their Wimbledon clash just last month, where Sabalenka had also emerged victorious. This time, however, Emma Raducanu demonstrated significant improvement under the guidance of her new coach, Francisco Roig.

New Coaching Partnership Shows Early Promise

The partnership with Francis Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, has already begun bearing fruit for Emma Raducanu. This Cincinnati encounter marked her first major test since officially bringing the Spanish coach into her setup on a contract until the end of 2025.

Roig was visibly engaged throughout the match, offering specific observations and encouragement, frequently punctuated with encouraging “Vamos!” calls. The 57-year-old coach, who contributed to all 22 of Nadal’s Grand Slam triumphs, brings a wealth of experience that Emma Raducanu hopes will elevate her game against top-tier opposition.

“He’s obviously got a bank of experience; I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side,” Emma Raducanu noted about the new partnership.

Tactical Improvements and Match Highlights

Emma Raducanu’s performance against Aryna Sabalenka showcased notable tactical improvements. The British star won the opening eight points of the match and later claimed the second set – marking the first set she had ever won against the Belarusian. She also won more total points than her opponent, claiming 125 to Sabalenka’s 122.

The eighth game of the final set epitomised the drama, extending over 23 minutes with 13 deuces. Emma Raducanu saved four break points before finally holding serve, celebrating with raised fists towards her support box.

Despite generating several break point opportunities throughout the encounter, Emma Raducanu struggled with conversion, managing only limited success on the crucial moments. However, her improved shot quality and tactical awareness under Roig’s guidance were evident throughout the contest.

British Number One Status Regained

Emma Raducanu’s strong 2025 season has seen her reclaim the British number one ranking for the first time since June 2023. She overtook Katie Boulter following her run to the Washington Open semi-finals, where she defeated former Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari before falling to Anna Kalinskaya.

The 22-year-old’s consistent performances have lifted her to 39th in the WTA rankings, positioning her tantalizingly close to a seeded spot for the upcoming US Open. Currently sitting at 34th in the live rankings, Emma Raducanu remains narrowly outside the top 32 required for seeding at Flushing Meadows.

Physical Resilience After Injury Struggles

This latest performance continues Emma Raducanu’s encouraging trajectory following a difficult period with injuries. The British star has been managing a recurring back problem that has troubled her since competing at Strasbourg before the French Open.

Working with new fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, who previously guided Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova, Emma Raducanu has focused on building physical resilience. The Japanese trainer’s influence appears to be paying dividends as the Briton has completed matches without significant physical issues.

“I think building a body, that’s a continuous process,” Emma Raducanu explained about her fitness journey. “I think it’s not something that you necessarily put a timeline on”.

Season Highlights and Consistency

Emma Raducanu’s 2025 campaign has been marked by steady improvement and notable consistency. She reached the third round at the Australian Open for the first time, made her first WTA 1000 quarter-final at Miami, and achieved quarter-finals at Queen’s Club during the grass season.

Her most impressive result came at the Washington Open, where she reached the semi-finals while also making the doubles semi-finals alongside Elena Rybakina. The American hard-court swing has proved particularly fruitful, with Emma Raducanu demonstrating her comfort on the surface where she achieved her greatest triumph at the 2021 US Open.

Looking Ahead to US Open

With the US Open beginning on 24 August, Emma Raducanu’s recent form suggests she could be a dangerous unseeded player at Flushing Meadows. Her improved physicality, tactical development under Roig, and growing confidence against top opposition provide reasons for optimism.

The Cincinnati loss to Sabalenka, while disappointing, demonstrated Emma Raducanu’s capacity to compete with the very best players in the world. Her ability to take the defending Cincinnati Open champion to three sets and a final-set tiebreak suggests she is moving in the right direction.

“Against the very top, that’s what it needs. It needs to improve,” Emma Raducanu stated about her goals with Roig. Monday’s performance against the world number one proved that improvement is already underway.

Emma Raducanu’s journey back towards the sport’s pinnacle continues with each competitive outing. The British tennis star’s resilience, tactical evolution, and growing physical strength provide genuine hope for sustained success in the months ahead.

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