Aryna Sabalenka has hailed the resurgence of rival Emma Raducanu after ousting the Brit in a marathon encounter at the Cincinnati Open.
The world No.1 was on court for more than three hours before beating Raducanu 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5), in the heat. Sabalenka was tested both physically and mentally, especially during the deciding set, which featured a 13-deuce Raducanu service game that lasted more than 20 minutes, in which she saved four break points before holding. Sabalenka dropped serve more times (two against three) and hit fewer aces (eight against 10) than her opponent.
Monday’s battle shows plenty of encouraging signs for Raducanu, who has experienced a rise in her level on the Tour since the start of the grass swing. Last month, she reached her first WTA semi-final of the year at the Citi Open in Washington and made it through to the third round of the National Bank Open in Canada.
“I’m super happy once again to see her back and fighting,” Sabalenka said of Raducanu.
“Every tournament, I feel like she’s improving and is definitely gonna get back in the top 10.
“She’s moving well, and she’s a smart player. She’s serving well and basically doing everything well.”
Sabalenka’s praise coincides with Raducanu’s latest coaching appointment. The 2021 US Open champion has added Francisco Roig to her team, who is best known for working with Rafael Nadal for 17 years. Roig was very vocal during various parts of Raducanu’s latest match, issuing her with plenty of advice.
Whilst it is still in the early stages of the collaboration, Raducanu is liking what she sees so far from the Spaniard.
“The first week went well. I think we practiced well and I made some improvements,” she said. “For certain moments, you could see the stuff we practiced, but I just haven’t done it for long enough that I can’t do it for so long yet. But given it’s only been a week, I think there’s been improvements.
“I’m taking the feedback on board, and it was less technical, more about just trying to stay smooth, trying to stay through it, not retreating so much.
“I think during the match, I’m not too technical. Maybe in the past, I was, but less so now.”
Sabalenka will next take on Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who has already scored wins over Venus Williams, Leylah Fernandez and Taylor Townsend in the tournament. She will be the heavy favourite in the match, but is wary that many players are motivated to produce their top tennis when playing the Tour’s highest-ranked player.
“I love to have this target on my back, and every time they bring their best game, that’s how I get better as well,” Sabalenka explains.
“Sometimes they defeat me. They play incredible tennis, but it only makes me stronger. And I love to be in my position. And as they say, pressure is a privilege, and I really enjoy this privilege.”
Sabalenka is the defending champion in Cincinnati.
