By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Emma Raducanu roared through 10 straight games rolling former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 to reach the Cincinnati third round.
Photo credit: Western & Southern Open Facebook
Tuning up for her US Open title defense, Emma Raducanu is committed to carb loading.
The 19-year-old Raducanu continues to transform Cincinnati into Bagel Land.
More: Raducanu Sweeps Serena
A ruthless Raducanu roared through 10 straight games rolling former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 to reach the Cincinnati third round.
Last night, Raducanu rapped 14 winners against 1 error shutting down 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams 6-4, 6-0.
Showing no signs of competitive hangover after her first career win over a former world No. 1, Raducanu shredded Azarenka today.
The reigning US Open champion cruished through a combined 17 consecutive games over major winners Williams and Azarenka before the Belarusian finally held at 30 to get on the scoreboard at 1-4.
"Well, it's always tricky when things are going too well," Raducanu said. "When you win like too many games in a row, you feel like something could easily just go wrong. Then, you know, it's even tougher if you're down from that situation.
"So I kind of just reminded myself, like, in the second set especially, you know, You're a set and 4-1 up here. The pressure is on her to kind of get back in. I just really focused on holding serve, especially that last service game, because I think towards the end she was hitting some really big balls and really tough rallies."
The 10th-seeded Briton's skill digging drives out of the corners and taking the ball on the rise were key assets today. Raducanu banged five aces and saved all three break points she faced, including hammering two of her heaviest forehands to save break points in the final game.
Straddling the baseline, Raducanu rushed Azarenka into errors. The Belarusian's miscues continued to pile up as Raducanu scored her third consecutive break for a 5-0 lead after 22 minutes of play.
The US Open champion crunched an ace out wide sealing the 26-minute opening set on her third set point. Since her inspired run to the Flushing Meadows championship last September, Raducanu had experienced teenage growing pains on Tour. She took the court today with a 14-17 record since raising the shiny silver US Open championship.
Working with coach Dmitry Tursunov, Raducanu has regained control of her forehand and is playing with more purpose and precision.
A slick swing forehand drive volley brought Raducanu a second match point. When Azarenka's return expired in net, Raducanu was through to the third round vs. Jessica Pegula.
American No. 1 Pegula outlasted Ukrainian qualifier Marta Kostyuk 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2.
Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur saved three match points edging home hero Caty McNally 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(7) in a thriller.
Playing for her first career hard-court title, Jabeur will face Petra Kvitova in the round of 16.
Two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova conquered Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 6-3.