Elena Rybakina produced a ruthless performance at the US Open, dismantling Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in a highly anticipated third-round clash that turned into a one-sided lesson in power tennis.
The Kazakh star, who owns a Wimbledon title and has often been viewed as a dangerous but inconsistent presence on tour, showed her highest level on Saturday. With her coach Stefano Vukov back in her corner, Rybakina dictated rallies from the start, leaving Raducanu scrambling and frustrated under the Arthur Ashe lights.
Early Domination Sets the Tone
Rybakina wasted no time stamping her authority. She broke Raducanu at the first opportunity, consolidating quickly to open a 3-0 lead. Her precision from the baseline and punishing groundstrokes into the corners made the difference, forcing the Brit into desperation shots that rarely landed.
Although Raducanu managed to steady herself with a hold, Rybakina continued to press, capturing a double break and racing through the opener in just 27 minutes.
Raducanu Sticks to Wrong Tactics as Relentless Rybakina Dominates
Raducanu has spoken about her need to solve the puzzle of the game’s biggest hitters, but on this night the challenge was too steep. She briefly found moments of rhythm, striking a few forehand winners and serving an ace under pressure, yet her serve faltered at key points — only 58% of first serves landed — and Rybakina pounced with ruthless efficiency.
The second set followed a similar script. Raducanu gifted a pivotal game with five unforced errors, allowing Rybakina to build a commanding lead. Trying to win rallies against an opponent playing at her absolute best was never the right option. Raducanu needed to mix things up, but Rybakina never gave her the chance — after all, she was in God mode.
Elena Rybakina vs Emma Raducanu – Full Match Stats
| Statistic | Rybakina | Raducanu |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 1.88 | 0.53 |
| Winners | 23 | 8 |
| Unforced Errors | 19 | 18 |
| Serve Rating | 296 | 199 |
| Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 0 |
| 1st Serve % | 47% (21/45) | 65% (30/46) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 86% (18/21) | 60% (18/30) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 63% (15/24) | 29% (5/17) |
| Break Points Saved | – (0/0) | 56% (5/9) |
| Service Games | 100% (8/8) | 43% (3/7) |
| Ace % | 6.7% | 4.3% |
| Double Fault % | 6.7% | 0% |
| Return Rating | 212 | 52 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 40% (12/30) | 14% (3/21) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 71% (12/17) | 38% (9/24) |
| Break Points Won | 44% (4/9) | – (0/0) |
| Return Games | 57% (4/7) | 0% (0/8) |
| Pressure Points | 44% (4/9) | 56% (5/9) |
| Service Points | 73% (33/45) | 50% (23/46) |
| Return Points | 50% (23/46) | 27% (12/45) |
| Net Points | 67% (2/3) | 50% (1/2) |
| Total Points | 62% (56/91) | 38% (35/91) |
| Match Points Saved | 0 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 5 | 4 |
| Service Games Won | 100% (8/8) | 43% (3/7) |
| Return Games Won | 57% (4/7) | 0% (0/8) |
| Total Games Won | 80% (12/15) | 20% (3/15) |
| Max Games In A Row | 5 | 1 |
| Injury Timeouts | 0 | 0 |
| Distance Covered (m) | 641 | 661 |
| Match Duration | 1h 03m | |
A Statement Win — Food for Thought
In the end, Rybakina closed the match with ease, sealing victory at the first opportunity and bringing her H2H against Raducanu to 2–0. The way she played today was top drawer, and it might well carry her all the way.
For Raducanu, it was another reminder of the gap she must bridge to consistently challenge the top tier. In a Grand Slam, two easy early wins can backfire — when the level rises, you quickly find yourself up against a wall if the opponent is two or three notches better. For Rybakina, it was a statement performance — one that reaffirms her place alongside Iga Swiątek and Aryna Sabalenka as one of the most feared hard-court contenders.