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Raducanu rolls Osaka for third Washington quarter-final
Emma Raducanu booked her third quarter-final at the WTA Washington event on Thursday as she dismantled Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 in a showdown between fellow former US Open winners.
The Briton moved into a match with one-time world No. 3 wild card Maria Sakkari, who she had dominated in straight sets in three previous occasions.
Raducanu saved the only break points she faced as she begins the hardcourt runup to the US Open.
“I knew I was going to have to manage my own service games, which I’m really proud of.” the winner said.
“If you float the second serve in, Naomi’s going to crunch it. I had to trust my abilities in the second serve and go for it.”
Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka was never a threat, hampered by 38 unforced errors in a match where Raducanu earned the opening set in 38 minutes and tightened her grip in the second set to take victory.
“Naomi’s won four Slams, been world No.1, won the Masters, she’s so dangerous,” Raducanu said.
“On hard courts, she’s particularly comfortable. I knew I was gonna have to play really well.”