Raducanu, Osaka to clash in DC

Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka set up a clash of former US Open winners as both claimed opening victories at the Washington hardcourt tune-up event.

Raducanu won the Open title from an unprecedented qualifying start while Japan’s Osaka claimed New York title honours in 2018 and 2020.

They advanced in the US capital, with Raducanu defeating  Marta Kostyuk 7-6 (4), 6-4 and four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka booking her spot in the first-time meeting over Yulia Putiniseva 6-3, 7-5.

“I’m looking forward to the match. I think it’s a great match for a lot of spectators, which is great to be a part of,” No. 46 Raducanu said of he second-round match aat the pre-US Open tournament.

“I felt the same way when I played (world No. 1)  Aryna at Wimbledon. That atmosphere was unbeatable for me.

“I’m looking forward to again playing Naomi; she’s won four Grand Slams, so an incredible achievement and incredible career so far.

“She’s been playing really good tennis this year – it will be a great test of my own game and myself.”

Raduncanu is coming off a Wimbledon third round and has never passed the second round in Washington.