Emma Raducanu excels in Washington after defeating four-time major champion

Ziyad Jamal

Emma Raducanu excels in Washington after defeating four-time major champion image

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Emma Raducanu put on another strong display at the Washington Open, maintaining her positive momentum ahead of the US Open next month.

She beat four-time Grand Slam winner, Naomi Osaka 6-4 6-2 in the round of 16 on Thursday (July 24).

It was a great victory for the Brit, as all of Osaka's major wins have come on the hard court surface which the two competed on yesterday in DC. 

The 22-year-old was satisfied with her display, telling Sky Sports after the match: "I thought it was going to be a really difficult match. Naomi's won four slams, she's been world number one. She's so dangerous on the hard courts."

"I'm really pleased with how I handled the ball speed and conditions here."

The win over Osaka follows an upset win over seventh seed, Marta Kostyuk, in the previous round.

Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka

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Raducanu's impressive form means she will displace Katie Boulter and return to being the British number one once the WTA's rankings are updated next week.

After overcoming Osaka, the former US Open winner will take on Maria Sakkari in the last eight on Friday (25 July). The Greek player produced a shock in the last round as she knocked out American second seed, Emma Navarro, in straight sets.

Raducanu is also competing in the doubles event in DC

Raducanu's success in the Washington Open singles draw coincide's with her splendid exploits in the doubles event.

Hours after beating Osaka, the Brit continued her doubles quest in DC alongside Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina. The two managed to beat Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with second seeds, Shuai Zhang and Taylor Townsend.

Rybakina is also competing in the singles draw and could face her doubles partner if both were to progress to the final. 

Friday (July 25) will be another busy outing for Raducanu in the American capital as her doubles contest will again take place just hours after her singles match.

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Ziyad Jamal

Ziyad Jamal contributes to Sporting News - UK Wires as a freelance writer focusing on all sports. He has written for sites including GiveMeSport, Planet Sport and IBTimes UK. He graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Football Business and Media at UCFB Wembley in 2021.