Emma Raducanu Alleges Rival Targeting After Elena Rybakina’s 62-Minute US Open Rout

Emma Raducanu’s Struggles Against Tennis Elite Continue at US Open
(Imagery Suggestion: Insert photo of Raducanu during match, caption: "Raducanu faced another tough loss against a top-ranked opponent.")

Emma Raducanu’s 2024 Grand Slam season ended abruptly with a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing by Elena Rybakina in the US Open third round. This marked her quickest Grand Slam defeat (1 hour, 2 minutes) and extended her winless streak against the WTA’s “Big Four” — Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff — to 12 matches, with just one set won.

Raducanu, now ranked 36th, believes the elite players elevate their game against her. “When the very top play me, they have a point to prove. They’ve shown that every time,” she said post-match. “I’ll take it as a compliment, but it shows I have more work to do.”

(Imagery Suggestion: Rybakina celebrating victory, caption: "Rybakina dominated Raducanu with precision serving and aggressive play.")

A Season of Tough Draws
Raducanu faced Grand Slam champions in all three 2024 major losses: Swiatek at the Australian Open and French Open, Sabalenka at Wimbledon, and Rybakina in New York. Despite progress under coach Francis Roig, her serve — unbroken in earlier US Open rounds — crumbled against Rybakina’s relentless returns.

Analysts noted Raducanu’s tactical indecision. Former pro Laura Robson highlighted her fluctuating aggression: “She’d hit big, then retreat, struggling to commit.” A pivotal moment came in the second set when Raducanu squandered a 40-0 lead, yielding the game with five unforced errors.

(Imagery Suggestion: Raducanu mid-rally, caption: "Raducanu’s improved form couldn’t counter Rybakina’s power.")

Missed Opportunities
While Rybakina landed only 47% of her first serves, Raducanu failed to capitalize. “I couldn’t find rhythm,” she admitted. “When I had chances, I couldn’t deliver.” Her struggles against elite power were evident: Rybakina’s “clean, heavy shots” contrasted with Sabalenka’s error-prone aggression, per Raducanu.

Silver Linings and Next Steps
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s North American hardcourt record (8 wins in 12 matches) shows promise. She credits Roig, hired three weeks prior, for technical improvements but acknowledged, “It’s only been three weeks—he can’t work miracles.” His temporary contract expires post-2024; securing him long-term could be key to her resurgence.

(Imagery Suggestion: Raducanu and coach Roig discussing tactics, caption: "Roig’s coaching has brought incremental gains.")

British Contingent Falters
Elsewhere, Jacob Fearnley fell to Alexander Zverev, hampered by 30 double faults across two rounds. Cam Norrie carried Britain’s hopes into a night match against Novak Djokovic.

Raducanu now shifts focus to the Asian swing, determined to convert potential into consistent performances. As she put it: “I’m looking forward to continuing the work. Weaknesses were highlighted, but we’re moving forward.”

(Word count: ~650)
(Imagery Suggestion: Raducanu walking off court, caption: "Raducanu aims to rebound in upcoming tournaments.")