Raducanu to Clash with Kalinskaya in Semifinal

WASHINGTON: Emma Raducanu achieved her most significant semifinal berth since her 2021 US Open victory, as she triumphed over Maria Sakkari with a 6-4, 7-5 score, securing her spot in the Washington Open’s final four on Friday.

Both athletes contended with intense heat, and Raducanu needed a medical timeout before mounting an impressive recovery.

After trailing 5-2 in the second set, the British player claimed five successive games, ensuring her victory in straight sets.

Following the match, Raducanu acknowledged the substantial challenge posed by the heat, calling it one of the most arduous contests she has experienced under such conditions.

Raducanu, who at 18 became the first qualifier to secure a Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, stated, “I generally handle heat well, but I really struggled today.”

“It ranked among the toughest matches I’ve played, considering the conditions. I felt unsteady during those second-set points. I’m relieved I managed to finish it, and in two sets.”

This win underscores Raducanu’s renewed form, which includes reclaiming the British number one ranking after a remarkable straight-sets victory against Naomi Osaka earlier in the competition.

Furthermore, Leylah Fernandez, who was the runner-up to Raducanu at Flushing Meadows four years prior, also secured a semifinal position by defeating qualifier Taylor Townsend 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Thursday.

Raducanu is now set to compete against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinal on Saturday. Kalinskaya progressed by defeating fourth seed Clara Tauson with a score of 6-3, 7-5.