Emma Raducanu’s US Open campaign came to a halt in the third round after a commanding display from Elena Rybakina ended her run in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2. Despite showing strong form in her opening matches, the British No. 1 found herself overwhelmed by the power and precision of the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who needed just over an hour to book her spot in the fourth round.
For Raducanu, the result continued a recurring theme in her 2025 season. While she has competed well against lower-ranked opponents, her encounters with the very best such as Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and now Rybakina have exposed the gap she must still bridge. Outside of a competitive battle with Sabalenka at Wimbledon, her contests against top-10 opposition have been one-sided, showing the work ahead if she is to consistently challenge at the highest level.
Raducanu acknowledged the reality of her current position, noting that her ranking means difficult draws are inevitable. She has recently begun working with Spanish coach Francisco Roig, emphasizing that the partnership is still in its early stages. While she has already seen areas of progress, she admitted that her weaknesses were ruthlessly highlighted in New York and that further improvement will take time.
Rybakina, meanwhile, was at her destructive best. Her powerful first serve neutralized Raducanu’s greatest strength, the return, while her deep, aggressive groundstrokes dominated the baseline rallies. Each exchange left Raducanu scrambling further behind the court, unable to mount any sustained challenge. By the second set, the match had slipped away as her belief visibly drained.
Despite the defeat, Raducanu leaves Flushing Meadows with reasons for optimism. She secured her first US Open victories since her fairytale 2021 triumph, showing more stability and confidence than in previous seasons. Her current live ranking of 34 puts her close to being seeded again at future majors, which would provide more favorable draws.
Rybakina’s resurgence adds intrigue to the women’s draw. Having endured a turbulent year marked by coaching controversies, she has rediscovered her form and reestablished herself as a serious contender. Her dismantling of Raducanu confirmed her status as one of the main threats for the title.
For Raducanu, the loss is a reminder of the gap that still separates her from the elite. But with time, confidence, and her new coaching setup, she remains determined to climb back into contention at the very top of the game.
