WASHINGTON – Emma Radukanu dominated her first career matchup with Naomi Osaka, winning past US Open champions’ showdowns at the DC Open 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday.
“I felt it had a bit of extra,” Radkanu said. “It’s a match that a lot of people feel they’re talking in advance. I knew that before the match, but actually I like this kind of matchup. You play a great opponent. A lot of people are looking at the match. They enjoy it. I enjoy it.
Radkanu, the first qualifier to win the Grand Slam title when he did it in New York in 2021, saved the two breakpoints she faced and managed to break the massive Osaka three times.
“I’m offering better service. It’s very helpful. I’ve always returned something pretty decent, but the elements when I work well add another dimension to my game,” Raducanu said. “You can start the points better, look for the forehand, play it a little more and tell it.”
Osaka was hurt after a double fault in the seventh inning.
“From the baseline I feel like I was doing pretty well,” said Osaka, where the US opened and Australians opened twice each. “There was a certain situation where she got one more ball back and I think I was just looking and waiting.”
Ranked 46th, Radkanu will face Maria Saccari in the quarter-finals. Sakkari eliminated No. 2 seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday.
Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, returned to tour at age 45, was scheduled to face Magdalena Frech in the evening.
Fourth Seed Ben Shelton, No. Thursday’s men’s action winner at the Hard Court Tournament in Washington. 7 includes Alex Deminaur, Daniil Medvevev No. 8, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Brandon Nakashima No. 14.