Emma Raducanu’s progress in the Stuttgart Open was halted in straight sets by world number one Iga Swiatek. The Polish four-time grand slam champion, in her 100th week on top of the ATP world rankings, prevailed 7-6 (2) 6-3 to set up a semi-final showdown with Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
It was, however, an encouraging quarter-final performance from Raducanu, who has slipped to 303 in the world rankings after a torrid 2023.
Raducanu came in to the contest on a high after winning four matches in a row for the first time since her US Open title in 2021 and raised confidence levels were reflected in the opening exchanges.
“For sure it was an intense match so I’m glad I matched that for two hours,” said Swiatek. “Today a lot of break points didn’t convert but I’m glad I finished with a better second set than first. It was difficult for sure.
“Tennis is hard if you want to stay consistently on the top - I hope [Raducanu will] be able to do it because she has the game, but it’s not easy for sure.”
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