Emma Raducanu continues push for US Open draw after Washington Open win

Emma Raducanu kept up her momentum in the US Open qualifiers by defeating Peyton Stearns in two sets to advance to the quarter-finals of the Washington Open.

The British athlete, who declined the opportunity to play for Team GB at the Olympics, beat the American 7-6, 6-2, even though the match was delayed by a sudden heavy rain. She will now play against the winner of Thursday's match between wild card Paula Badosa and third seed Liudmila Samsonova.

Raducanu faced some challenges in the fourth game, managing to save two break points despite making some double faults. However, she remained determined and managed to win the game. She then went on to break her opponent in the fifth game.

Stearns, who is the 51st best player in the world, hit some impressive shots but Raducanu was able to stay in charge until a downpour interrupted the match just as she was about to win the first set. Following a two-hour break, Raducanu won the first set 7-6 (6) in a tiebreaker.

"It's tough when you have to stop playing because of rain, especially during an important moment like that. It can change how the match is going," Raducanu explained. "I believe I managed to start off strong and push through that tiebreak."

After winning the first set, the 2021 US Open Champion quickly took the lead in the second by breaking Stearns' serve and going up 3-0.

Raducanu, currently ranked 69th in the world, expressed gratitude to the audience for their understanding during the exciting late-night match. She acknowledged the challenge of facing Peyton, particularly on her home turf, and acknowledged her recent success, feeling she is on a positive streak.

The 21-year-old tennis player, who is still recovering from surgery on her wrist and ankle, decided not to participate in the Paris tournament. She preferred not to return to playing on clay at Roland Garros before the upcoming US Open.

"I have made some significant progress in my game in recent months," Raducanu stated prior to the tournament. "I began the grass season ranked lower than 200 and ended up in the top 100. This was a fairly successful achievement for me. It secured my spot in the main draw of the US Open, which was a major goal of mine. I was determined to qualify for the Grand Slam tournaments."

"Last year at this time, I wasn't even playing tennis. I didn't pick up a racket until late November. I'm happy with where I am now - playing, feeling good, and just loving the game."