Emma Raducanu has reignited her 2025 season in electrifying fashion, advancing to the semi-finals of the Washington Open after defeating world No. 9 Maria Sakkari in straight sets. The 22-year-old British tennis star won 6-4, 7-5 in a thrilling quarter-final match on Friday night, marking her most significant win of the year and her first appearance in a WTA 500 semi-final since June 2024.
Raducanu’s victory over Sakkari is not just another match win—it represents a statement. For months, fans and analysts questioned whether the 2021 US Open champion could return to top-level form following injury layoffs, ranking slumps, and coaching changes. On the hard courts of Washington, she answered those doubts with confident shot-making, calm under pressure, and a revitalized movement that has been missing from her game in recent months.
The first set saw Raducanu come out strong, breaking Sakkari early and holding serve with authority. She hit 13 winners in the opening set alone and saved all three break points she faced. Her serve, often criticized for inconsistency, was sharp and accurate. She mixed her pace with well-placed slices and forehands that kept Sakkari scrambling.
The second set was more complicated. Raducanu fell behind 2-5 after some unforced errors and what seemed like a dip in energy. But rather than unravel, she dug in. She broke Sakkari’s serve twice, saving a set point at 4-5 and holding her own serve at a critical juncture. At 6-5, with momentum fully on her side, Raducanu broke again to close out the match in one hour and forty-seven minutes.
What made this performance all the more impressive was the physical toll. The match was played in sweltering heat, with temperatures nearing 34 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Raducanu called for a medical timeout midway through the second set to manage the heat and was visibly drained at times. Still, she kept her composure and fought through what she later described as “one of the toughest physical tests of the year.”
This result continues a strong run for Raducanu in Washington. She began her campaign with a convincing win over Marta Kostyuk in the opening round and followed it with a straight-sets victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, a match that garnered global headlines. Beating two top-tier opponents back-to-back has catapulted Raducanu back into the conversation as a serious contender ahead of the US Open swing.
In her post-match press conference, Raducanu spoke with a calm confidence that echoed her 2021 breakout. She credited her team for helping her find physical consistency and acknowledged the struggles of the past year. She also said, “I know what I’m capable of, and I’ve been working quietly to get back to this level. There were tough months, but this week everything’s clicking a little better.”
Raducanu’s resurgence has also had a positive impact on her WTA ranking. Before the tournament, she was ranked 46th in the world. With this semi-final run, her live ranking has now climbed to around 32, and if she wins the title, she could break into the top 25—putting her in prime position to be seeded at the US Open in late August.
Awaiting her in the semi-finals is the winner of the match between Danish rising star Clara Tauson and Russian contender Anna Kalinskaya. Both players have had strong weeks, and either matchup will test Raducanu’s form and fitness. But based on her performances so far, she’ll enter the semi-final as the favorite.
What’s striking about this version of Raducanu is her newfound balance. She’s no longer swinging for winners every rally; instead, she’s constructing points, defending with purpose, and adapting to her opponents’ weaknesses. Against Sakkari, she exploited the Greek player’s tendency to falter under pressure, forcing her into long rallies and attacking her second serve.
Fans at the Washington venue have responded enthusiastically to her run. Raducanu’s name is again drawing crowds, with many British supporters waving flags and cheering every point. Her on-court demeanor—composed, smiling, and focused—has reminded tennis lovers of the teenager who stunned the world at Flushing Meadows four years ago.
This semi-final is a turning point for Raducanu in another sense. Until now, much of her 2025 season has been a quiet grind through smaller tournaments and off-radar matches. She had not reached the semi-finals of a tour-level event since Birmingham in June last year and was knocked out early in both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Her last major statement came at Indian Wells in March, where she made the fourth round before falling to Aryna Sabalenka.
But Washington seems different. Her body is moving well. Her strokes have depth. Her footwork is sharper, and her tennis IQ—often underestimated—is on full display. She’s reading opponents better, adjusting mid-match, and, most importantly, she’s having fun again.
As the WTA tour prepares to shift to Canada and Cincinnati before heading to New York, Raducanu’s form could not have returned at a better time. With many top players resting or managing minor injuries ahead of the US Open, she finds herself in a rare position: fit, in rhythm, and confident.
Her coach, who has stayed mostly out of the spotlight this season, praised her focus and day-by-day commitment. “Emma has had to fight for everything this year. This week shows that when she’s healthy and motivated, she belongs among the best,” he told reporters on Friday.
Raducanu’s fans worldwide, who stuck by her through form slumps and injuries, are now watching with renewed excitement. Her social media buzz has spiked again, and ticket sales for the final weekend in Washington have surged. Whether or not she goes on to win the title, this run has clearly reset expectations.
For now, Raducanu remains focused on her next match. Asked whether she’s thinking about winning the tournament or preparing for the US Open, she answered, “Right now, I’m just thinking about recovering for the next one. That’s all that matters. Step by step.”
After years of inconsistency and external noise, Raducanu’s quiet determination is speaking loudest of all. And if Washington is any indication, her comeback may no longer be a question—it’s already happening.
