WESTERN AND SOUTHERN OPEN: RADUCANU OUTSHINES AZARENKA TO FACE PEGULA IN LAST 16
British Emma Raducanu produced a super performance beating veteran Victoria Azarenka with a 6-0 6-2 win in Cincinnati.
The No.13th world ranked Brit who outshined America’s Serena Williams a couple of days ago at the Canadian Open, 6-4 6-0, obviously is setting her quest for the US Open which starts later in August. She will face America’s Jessica Pegula!
Pegula had an impressive run at the Canadian Open reaching the semi-final where she lost to tournament eventual winner Simona Halep 2-6 6-3 6-4. Both tennis stars’ rating is already making headlines towards their meeting which the match is already being considered a tough match at the Western and Southern Open.
The 19 year –old, Raducanu who was a surprise winner at the Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title last year could be another surprise this year with rediscovered top form. Although, she had struggled with fitness issues and tenacity in sustaining top stage, especially that usually associated with teenage arrivals at the senior level.
But her sound victory against Serena’s Williams who retires after the US Open and her current drive at the Western and Southern Open is becoming a propelling force. She could rise in world rating on or before the end of the US Open.
Jessica Pegula on her part is already an in form player and her reaching the semi-final at the Canadian Open is a clear indication of quest for the title in Cincinnati.
Others that have advanced to the last 16 at the Cincinnati are Polish Iga Swiatek, Wimbledon Champion Elena and Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur.
Meanwhile, American teenager Coco Gauff has played down fear and seriousness of the ankle injury which forced her to retire from the first round in Cincinatti against Czech’s Marie Bouzkova on Tuesday. The 18 year –old strongly believes the injury will heal before her home Grand Slam later this month.