Did Emma Raducanu just drop a bombshell? After her swift US Open defeat by Elena Rybakina, the tennis star claims opponents are ‘out to get her.’ Is she onto something, or is it just the pressure of the elite game? What do you think is truly happening on court?
British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu’s latest US Open campaign came to an abrupt end, sparking controversy with her post-match comments regarding how top opponents approach matches against her. Following a swift defeat by reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, Raducanu suggested that elite players are “out to get her,” implying a heightened intensity when facing the 2021 Grand Slam winner.
The match itself was a dominant display from Elena Rybakina, who dismantled Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in just 62 minutes, marking the quickest Grand Slam defeat of Raducanu’s career. This loss meant Raducanu has now failed to progress beyond the third round in any major this season, consistently falling to Grand Slam champions, a trend that underscores her current struggles against the sport’s top echelon.
Raducanu’s theory posits that the crème de la crème of women’s tennis elevate their game specifically against her, aiming to assert their dominance. While winning the US Open in 2021 undeniably placed a target on her back, the extent to which this still influences opponents’ intensity is a subject of debate. Her current ranking might suggest less of a spotlight, yet her past major title could still inspire a more focused approach from rivals.
Indeed, Elena Rybakina appeared exceptionally dialled-in during their encounter, a stark contrast to her more laboured performance against a less-experienced opponent in the previous round. Despite Rybakina landing only 47 percent of her first serves, a surprising statistic for a player of her calibre, Emma Raducanu was unable to capitalise, highlighting missed opportunities in a crucial Grand Slam match.
Tactical indecision plagued Raducanu’s game, as noted by commentators. She vacillated between aggressive play and a more reserved stance, failing to commit to a clear strategy. This lack of tactical conviction was most evident in the second set’s opening game, where from a commanding 40-0 lead, she conceded the break through a series of unforced errors, particularly on her usually reliable backhand wing.
Reflecting on previous encounters, Raducanu articulated the immense pressure faced when playing against athletes like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, and particularly Elena Rybakina. She described their ball-striking as incredibly fast and heavy, leaving little time to construct points, creating a relentless onslaught that underscores the demanding nature of Women’s Tennis at its highest level.
Looking ahead, Raducanu and her coach, Roig, are now preparing for the Asian swing, reflecting on a period that has seen eight wins from twelve matches on the North American hard courts. While her current contract with Roig concludes at the end of the season, extending this partnership appears to be a crucial step for Emma Raducanu as she seeks to refine her game and overcome the challenges highlighted by her US Open exit.
