Emma Raducanu stormed to a memorable win over Serena Williams in the opening round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati — defeating the 23-time Grand Slam champion 6-4 6-0 in the pair’s first-ever meeting.
Williams, 40, has confirmed she will retire after the US Open later this month and she was given a rousing reception by the crowd.
But despite showing fight early on, the American found Raducanu too hot to handle as England’s 19-year-old world No11 eased to victory.
After her straight-sets win, Raducanu said: “We should all honour Serena and her amazing career.
“I’m so grateful for the experience to have been able to play her and for our careers to have crossed over. “Everything she’s achieved is so inspirational. It was a true honour to share the court with her.”
After being broken to love in the very first game of the match, Williams found her footing and even secured a break of her own in the opening set, but a second for Raducanu saw her comfortably serve out the opening frame.
Raducanu dominated the second set. Williams was only able to win 35 per cent (seven-of-20) of her service points and 20 per cent (three-of-15) while returning.
— Ferdinand A Baah
