Emma Raducanu in the second round of the 2022 Miami Open, Florida, USA
Emma Raducanu in the second round of the 2022 Miami Open, Florida, USA | © TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK/Getty Images

Tennis | WTA Cincinnati 2022 | Emma Raducanu defeats Serena Williams to set up second round with Victoria Azarenka

By Ros Satar

  • Emma Raducanu [10] def. Serena Williams 6-4 6-0
  • Raducanu v Victoria Azarenka
  • First Meeting
CINCINNATI, USA – Emma Raducanu came out on top of the anticipated match-up against legend Serena Williams and faces Victoria Azarenka next.

 

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Emma Raducanu [10] def. Serena Williams 6-4 6-0

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British No. 1 Emma Raducanu faced up to Serena Williams in a delayed first round match. Despite almost timidly peeking round the corner at the Williams entourage prior to going on court, Raducanu took advantage of a rusty start by the 23-time Slam champion to build up a commanding 4-1 lead. The come-back looked to be on the cards as Williams got one of the breaks of serve back, but it was enough of an advantage for Raducanu to hold on for the first set.

In the second set, it was all one-way traffic as Raducanu effectively silenced the crowd who were dying to get behind a Williams revival – movement was lacking once Raducanu got Williams on the run, and it fast became a formality as Raducanu eased to a win.

As reported by WTATennis.com, Raducanu told reporters: “I think from the beginning to the end, I maybe looked calm, but I just knew how important every single point was, because you let up a little bit and she’s going to be all over you. She’s just such a legend.”

 

Emma Raducanu [10] v Victoria Azarenka | H2H & Match Fundamentals

Emma Raducanu [10] v Victoria Azarenka H2H: First Meeting
WTA Cincinnati Ohio, USA
Hard (O) Prize Money: $16,340
Second on Centre Court, not before 12:30pm (5:30pm Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

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H2H: Emma Raducanu (WR 13) Victoria Azarenka (WR 22)
Tournament Previous Best Debut Title (2013)
1st Serve Return Points Won % 38.4 36.8
Return Points Won % 46.1 46
Break Point Conversion % 46.3 48.5
Break Points Saved % 58.5 62.2
Total Points Won % 50.6 52

The stats are pretty closely matched, even though Victoria Azarenka has played a lot more over the year than Raducanu. Her earlier consistency at the start of the year helps those along.

 

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Playing Styles & Prediction

Raducanu’s win over Williams most likely flatters to deceive. She was able to get points off the great champion while getting her on the move, but in Azarenka she faces someone with great movement and anticipation off the court.

This is a step above, and a tough second round match up for the Brit, as they will match each other for aggressive play, but Azarenka has a lot of variety to chuck at Raducanu.

Prediction: Azarenka in three sets.

 

How to Watch/Follow WTA Cincinnati

TV Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
Live Stream Tennis Live Scores on Britwatch Sports

 

 

 

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