Emma Raducanu “ proud ” Despite the defeat against Aryna Sabalenka, the edges of the world n ° 1, the epic shock of three hours at Cincinnati Open | Tennis news

Emma Raducanu spoke of her pride at Running World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka so close to her thrilling third round at the Cincinnati Open.

The 22-year-old man was ahead of 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) in an epic competition lasting three hours and nine minutes, a month after also giving Sabalenka a fear in Wimbledon.

Sabalenka was victorious in straight sets on this occasion, 7-6 (8-6) 6-4, although the score does not tell the whole story of this third round meeting.

“It is the world No. 1 for a reason,” said Raducanu after its three sets in their last meeting.

“I pushed it more than Wimbledon, so it’s an improvement.

“In addition, it was good to have this result in a hard court because it is very different from the grass, and I always thought that the grass suits me much more – and I always believe it.

“So, having pushed it on a hard ground like that, I’m quite proud.”

Raducanu had his moments in the match. She won the first eight points in the competition to participate in an advance of 2-0, while she did well to force Sabalenka in a first set equality after losing the four following games.

Raducanu was formidable in service in the second set, missing with only five of its first 28 services, winning the crucial break in the seventh game and later converting its first section point with an ACE of the second service.

As for the decision maker, Raducanu pushed a chance of breaking in the third match, before saving four on his own service in the eighth, an incredible 23 -minute battle that the British No. 1 were going to continue.

But the match would finally go by Sabalenka. “I think that starting the point is a big point to remember,” added Raducanu afterwards.

“I think she did it incredibly well; In the great moments, she served and returned very well.

“I also did it, at certain times of the match, but to hold this level at the starting point for the whole match, I think it’s a great thing for me.”

Sabalenka: Raducanu improving each time

Sabalenka was praised for her opponent after the match, saying she was delighted to see the US Open 2021 champion producing her best tennis after years of injury problems.

“As I said after Wimbledon, I am really happy to see her healthy, mentally and physically,” said Triple Champion of the Grand Slam.

“Whenever she improves, and I can see she is coming back. I’m happy to see this, and I like to fight against her.

“She is an incredible player, a really nice person and I am super happy for her – and, of course, I am happy to go through this difficult match.

“Three hours and 10 minutes … I really hope that tomorrow is a day off, otherwise I will not be able to recover after such a great battle.”

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