Washington Open: Raducanu wins first set of quarter-final against Sakkari

Telegraph

3 days ago

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Eugene Allen live updates. Chris Bascombe
25 July 2025 6:21pm
6:21PM
Raducanu* 6-4, 1-1 Sakkari
Raducanu races to a 30-0 lead after some good play from the baseline, before Sakkari cracks a forehand return down the line for a clean winner. Another good serve to the body sees the Greek go long with the return to hand Raducanu two game points. The Briton seals the game with an ace.
6:18PM
Second set: Raducanu 6-4, 0-1 Sakkari*
Sakkari gets the second set started with a good hold to 30.
6:15PM
First set all about fighting spirit
Raducanu played brilliant tennis in her first two rounds in Washington. That first set was all about her fighting spirit. Not sure we'd have seen that ability to withstand a physical barrage in tough conditions this time last year.
6:12PM
Raducanu wins set one 6-4
Raducanu, serving for the first set, wins the opening point before Sakkari draws level at 15-15. A good serve to the body moves the scoreboard to 30-15. An ace brings up two set points! Sakkari saves one with a forehand winner down the line but is unabele to save the second.
Advantage Raducanu in this quarter-final!
Emma Raducanu claims the first set against Maria Sakkari 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/5Q4mLfPm4M
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) July 25, 2025
6:08PM
Fatigue a factor for the server
Fatigue a huge factor for the player serving. It's going to feel like a gruelling journey ahead for whoever loses the first set, as the debilitating heat is obviously a big influence on this match.
6:06PM
Raducanu 5-4 Sakkari*
Sakkari goes wide with a backhand then double-faults to give Raducanu an early 0-30 advantage. The Briton then nets a forehand to go 15-30. Good baseline play sees Sakkari finish the point with a well-timed inside-out forehand winner down the line. A massive backhand winner return brings up break point for Raducanu and the Briton takes it!
Raducanu will serve for this opening set after the sitdown.
6:01PM
Raducanu* 4-4 Sakkari
Sakkari races to a 0-30 lead thanks to some aggressive baseline play. Raducanu gets on the board following a wild Sakkari forehand. The Greek then nets a drive volley on the forehand wing which brings the game to 30-30 before a lovely backhand return winner gets Sakkari to 30-40. Raducanu saves break point then throws in a double fault to hand Sakkari a second break point.
And Sakkari breaks as Raducanu double-faults again!
5:54PM
Raducanu 4-3 Sakkari*
Sakkari gets things started with an ace before Raducanu draws an error from the Greek on the backhand wing. Sakkari then goes wide with a forehand to give Raducanu a look in before a good first serve moves the score to 30-30. Raducanu then toys with Sakkari from the baseline to bring up break point but the world No 90 quickly snuffs it out with an ace.
A nice exchange from the back of the court ends with a lovely Sakkari volley but the Greek is unable to close out the game as she goes wide with a drop-volley effort. Advantage Raducanu as Sakkari goes long with a forehand.
And Raducanu breaks again!
5:46PM
Raducanu* 3-3 Sakkari
After exchanging the first couple of points, Raducanu goes long with a forehand to fall 15-30 behind. A good serve to the body sees the Briton draw level at 30-30 and another brings up game point. And the Briton seals it with another fine serve out wide.