Sports (Commonwealth Union) _ Emma Raducanu began her Cincinnati Open campaign in confident fashion, defeating Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-3, 6-2 in the second round. The British No. 1’s victory marked her first match under the guidance of new coach Francis Roig, a long-time member of Rafael Nadal’s team, as she steps up preparations for the upcoming US Open.
The 22-year-old, currently ranked world No. 39, had not played since confirming Roig as her coach on a full-time basis. In Ohio, the partnership made an encouraging start, even if the match began on a shaky note. Danilovic, Serbia’s top-ranked player, broke Raducanu in the opening game. However, the early setback was short-lived, as the pair exchanged four breaks of serve in the first six games before Raducanu steadied herself, winning a crucial service game from 30-0 down to lead 5-3. She then served out the set with an ace.
In the second set, Raducanu drew consistent errors from her opponent. A break for 3-2 proved decisive, as the Briton did not lose another game, sealing the win in an hour and 20 minutes. She later said the victory reflected the hard work she has been putting in away from the court. “I’m really building some momentum,” Raducanu remarked, adding that she was pleased with her recent consistency but recognised “there’s a long way to go.”
This match was not only a test of form but also an early glimpse into her working relationship with Roig. The Spaniard, who spent 17 years alongside Nadal, is known for direct and uncompromising feedback. Raducanu has embraced this approach. She explained that Roig’s main message so far has been that “the level needs to be better,” a sentiment she appreciates for its straightforwardness. Both share a preference for factual, clear communication without unnecessary embellishment, which she believes will help drive improvements across all aspects of her game.
Raducanu described her current mindset as calmer and more mature than in previous seasons. She said she is placing more trust in the hours of training she puts in, which helps reduce the pressure she feels in matches. The Briton pointed to several moments in the win where she successfully executed shots they had been working on in practice, calling it “really satisfying and rewarding.”
The result sets up a third-round meeting with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who ended Raducanu’s Wimbledon run last month in two tight sets. Sabalenka, playing for the first time since her semi-final exit at the All-England Club, came through a challenging opener against Czech Marketa Vondrousova, winning 7-5, 6-1 despite facing 12 break points.
Elsewhere in Cincinnati, Iga Swiatek, Poland’s Wimbledon champion, advanced to the last 32 with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Russia’s Anastasia Potapova. American Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, saved two match points before overcoming Germany’s Eva Lys 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1).
For Raducanu, the week is not just about singles. She will also partner world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open later this month, an opportunity that adds an extra dimension to her schedule.
Her choice to add Roig as the eighth coach of her career follows a long period without a permanent coach since January. The decision indicates a motive to establish stability and create a long-term strategy as she aims to regain the performance that led her to win the 2021 US Open title.
Raducanu’s immediate focus will be on the challenge Sabalenka presents. Their meeting in Ohio offers a chance for the Briton to measure her progress against the game’s top-ranked player just weeks before Flushing Meadows. A strong performance, regardless of the result, could serve as a valuable benchmark heading into the final Grand Slam.
As the Cincinnati Open progresses, Raducanu’s combination of renewed focus, structured coaching, and physical preparation will be a keen focus of attention. Her win over Danilovic may have been routine in the scoreline, but her performance hinted at a player willing to adapt and evolve. As the US Open draws near, the upcoming test will determine whether Raducanu’s adaptations can withstand the challenge of competing against the top players in the sport.
