"Raducanu’s promising year presents fresh test against top competition"

As the 2022 season began in January, Emma Raducanu faced uncertainty during her first full year on the professional tour. Still adjusting to the rapid changes in her career after a breakthrough summer, her preparation was further disrupted by illness, keeping her off the court for weeks in December. Her first match of the season ended in a heavy defeat, falling 6-0, 6-1 to Elena Rybakina.

That early clash highlighted the challenges Raducanu would confront over the next two years: the burden of expectations following her sudden rise, the gap in her game against the sport’s top players, and recurring fitness setbacks.

Ahead of another meeting between the British and Kazakh players, Raducanu’s recent form reflects steady improvement. In her opening two matches, she comfortably defeated Ena Shibahara and Janice Tjen, dropping only six games. Her play has been sharp—serving well, striking confidently, and taking control from the baseline.

However, her previous opponents had not reached the top 100, whereas Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, presents a far greater challenge. At 26, Rybakina is one of the game’s most dominant servers, leading in held service games, points won on serve, and aces. Her powerful baseline game adds to her threat, as seen in her recent dominant victory over Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati. When Rybakina is at her best, few can withstand her intensity.

Raducanu brought in Francisco Roig as part of her efforts to refine her game and compete with the top players. Now comes another opportunity to test her progress. “I want to see how my game matches up against the best,” Raducanu said. “I still have work to do, but I’ve been making strides. I take confidence from my recent performances."

While Raducanu faces a tough challenge, Cameron Norrie will encounter an even greater one—Novak Djokovic. Nearly three months after their French Open meeting, Norrie prepares for his seventh clash with the all-time great.

Norrie’s summer has been mixed. Hoping to build on his strong Wimbledon run, he instead struggled with physical issues in the North American heat. Known for his endurance, his fitness briefly became a rare weakness.