Emma Raducanu’s title defence under massive threat as Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina block her way

Emma Raducanu’s title defence under massive threat as Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina block her way

Emma Raducanu

World No. 11 Emma Raducanu will be the defending champion at the Pro-level for the first time as the 2022 US Open comes closer. With the draws out, the 19-year-old Brit knows who are her likely opponents over the course of a fortnight where she will have to defend not only 2040 points but also protect her ranking which can drop outside the Top 80 as well.

Emma has gained a little experience from having played her first full season on Tour this year and will be better suited to various situations that might arise during the next fortnight. Even in her defeats, Emma’s gameplay has been commendable and just the absence of little luck and her misfortune of consistent injury setbacks have made life a bit difficult for the young tennis star something she will wish to avoid in New York.

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Emma Raducanu can clash with Naomi Osaka as early as Round 3

Emma Raducanu with the US Open 2021 Trophy
Emma Raducanu with the US Open 2021 Trophy

Emma starts her campaign against French veteran Alize Cornet who will extend her consecutive Grand Slam appearances to 63 by playing at this year’s US Open. Cornet’s experience will be a massive challenge for Emma to overcome as Cornet used it at Wimbledon as well to snap World No. 1 Iga Swiatek‘s 37-match unbeaten streak having warned her before the match as well. Believing Emma moves past Cornet, she can expect Doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova who locks horns with local girl Taylor Townsend.

In the third round, either Danielle Collins or 2-time US Open champ Naomi Osaka are likely to clash with Emma further making things difficult for her. Going ahead, she could most likely take on Aryna Sabalenka, last year’s semi-finalist in New York, in the fourth round. Starting with the quarter-finals, Paula Badosa is the likely candidate to take on the Brit.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is likely to meet the Brit in the semi-finals in what will certainly be a great match between the two youngsters. In the finals, stopping Emma from the title defence will be World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit if all top seeds make their way and the Estonian star will be the final hurdle between Raducanu and her second major.

Emma Raducanu’s path to the US Open title based on seeding

  • R1: Alize Cornet
  • R2: Katerina Siniakova
  • R3: Danielle Collins
  • R4: Aryna Sabalenka
  • QF: Paula Badosa
  • SF: Iga Swiatek
  • F: Anett Kontaveit

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