By Tony Fairbairn
- Emma Raducanu [30] def Cristina Bucsa [Q] 6-3 6-3
- Raducanu v Jessica Pegula [5] | H2H: Pegula leads 2-1
BEIJING, CHINA – Emma Raducanu used her experience to defeat qualifier Cristina Bucsa and now faces Jessica Pegula in the third round of Beijing.
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Emma Raducanu [30] def Cristina Bucsa [Q] 6-3 6-3
Emma Raducanu is into the third round in Beijing after a straight sets win over the in-form Cristina Bucsa. It was a difficult start to the match as Raducanu was tested with Bucsa producing some aggressive groundstrokes with this match having longer rallies. Both players were forced to save break points early on with Raducanu needing to save four break points in a mammoth opening game.
There were comfortable service games for both players but a sense of frustration from Bucsa that she couldn’t capitalize on a good start to the match. The Spaniard had created two break points in the seventh game but some clutch serving from Raducanu saw the British number one edge in front at 4-3. A lack of clinical touch would cost Bucsa as Raducanu broke in the next game before comfortably closing out the opening set.
The momentum continued into the second set with Raducanu breaking to love in the opening game. After comfortably consolidating the break, Raducanu pushed for the double break and had two break point opportunities in a long third game. However, Bucsa held serve and made Raducanu pay for the missed opportunities as she broke back in the fourth game.
This was turning into a tricky match for Raducanu but the Brit remained composed and confident as she broke serve in the fifth game to restore control of the match. That was the killer blow as Raducanu was comfortable on serve and continued to apply pressure on return with some aggressive hitting.
Eventually Raducanu broke for the set to close out a straight sets win and move into the third round.
Emma Raducanu [30] v Jessica Pegula [5] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Emma Raducanu [30] v Jessica Pegula [5] | H2H: Pegula leads 2-1 |
| WTA Beijing 2025 | Beijing, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $60,400 |
| Fourth on Lotus Court (09:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Raducanu will now face fifth seed Jessica Pegula in what will be the fourth meeting between the two players.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Emma Raducanu (WR 32) | Jessica Pegula (WR 7) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R4 (2024) |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 38.1 | 39.4 |
| Return Points Won % | 45.6 | 45.6 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 50.8 | 45.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 58.3 | 57.9 |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 66.7 | 60.4 |
Raducanu will aim to be dominant on serve against the consistency of Pegula in what is a key match for both players for two different reasons.
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Playing styles and prediction
Pegula has been inconsistent this season but is showing signs of form having reached the semi-finals of the US Open. The American is starting to play confident and proactive tennis as she has found her rhythm again. Now Pegula looks for a deep run in Beijing in order to qualify for the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Raducanu will look to serve aggressively and will need to be more clinical on break points. Meanwhile, Pegula will use the backhand to accelerate the rallies and will look to finish points off at the net. This will be a tough test for Raducanu but will be confident that her qualities have enough to test Pegula. The American’s confidence and consistency may prove too much though in this blockbuster third round match.
Prediction: Pegula in three sets.
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