Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 at the Citi DC Open, securing a significant WTA Rankings boost. Her sharp serving and composed baseline play proved too much for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
With this victory, Raducanu has surged to a provisional world No 39, regaining the British No 1 spot from Katie Boulter. The 22-year-old had already climbed five spots after beating Marta Kostyuk in the previous round.
Raducanu’s quarter-final opponent is world No 90 Maria Sakkari, whom she has beaten in all three of their past meetings without dropping a set. A win would further cement her rankings resurgence and boost her confidence ahead of the US Open.
Naomi Osaka, meanwhile, missed a key chance to close her rankings gap but still moves up provisionally to world No 49. She will next compete at the Canadian Open in Montreal as she continues her return to top form.
