Washington D.C., USA – Britain’s Emma Raducanu has powered her way into her first WTA semifinal since her historic 2021 US Open victory, defeating Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5 on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the DC Open. This impressive run marks a significant milestone in her comeback after battling through multiple injuries.
Raducanu, who missed much of 2023 following hand and ankle surgery and part of last year with a left foot injury, showed remarkable resilience in sweltering 95F (35C) conditions. Her victory over Sakkari, a top-ranked opponent, comes after also dispatching four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round.
“I have played three great matches to be here in the semifinals, and it is the first semis in a long time,” Raducanu stated, calling her semifinal berth a “big benchmark.” She added, “I’m really proud of that and just happy that all the hard work I’ve been doing is starting to pay off.”
Potential US Open 2021 Final Rematch in Washington?
Adding an intriguing layer to the tournament, Leylah Fernandez, the very player Raducanu defeated in that memorable 2021 US Open final, could be her opponent for the Washington hard court crown.
Left-hander Fernandez battled through her own challenges on Friday, overcoming leg cramps in the second set and saving a set point to oust American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) and advance to the semifinals. Fernandez, who has won three WTA titles (2021 and 2022 Monterrey Opens, 2023 Hong Kong Open), last reached a final at Eastbourne last year.
Fernandez will compete in her semifinal match on Saturday against the winner of a later quarterfinal between third seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech.
Raducanu, Britain’s first women’s Grand Slam singles champion since Virginia Wade in 1977, will face the winner of the match between Danish fourth seed Clara Tauson and Anna Kalinskaya in her semifinal on Saturday.
The prospect of a Raducanu vs. Fernandez final would not only bring a compelling narrative but also signal a strong return to form for both young stars who lit up Flushing Meadows four years ago.
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