NEW YORK (AP) — Emma Raducanu’s journey at the U.S. Open came to an end in the third round, where she faced off against the formidable 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, losing 6-1, 6-2 in a swift 62 minutes on Friday.
This marks Rybakina’s debut in the second week at Flushing Meadows, a milestone for the No. 9 seed from Kazakhstan, who had not previously reached the quarterfinals in this Grand Slam event.
“It’s true: The U.S. Open has not been particularly lucky for me in the past,” Rybakina remarked. “But I’m hopeful that this year will be different.”
Exhibiting sheer dominance, Rybakina overpowered the unseeded Raducanu, who, prior to this year, had not clinched a victory in New York since her groundbreaking win as the first qualifier to capture a major title four years ago.
Rybakina unleashed serves clocking in at an impressive 118 mph, faced zero break points, and boasted a remarkable 23-8 lead in winners during the match at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
After weathering numerous injuries, Raducanu is relishing a stronger season, notching a career-high 26 tour-level victories. Remarkably, she had conceded just six games in her first two matches at this year’s U.S. Open.
