Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina began their Citi Open doubles campaign with a shaky start, dropping the first set 2–6 to fourth seeds Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls. The British-Kazakh duo struggled with rhythm and consistency, getting broken three times in the opening set. Despite the early setback, they regrouped and found their footing in the second set, eventually forcing a tiebreak which they won 7–4.

Match Tie-Break Drama

The deciding match tie-break was a rollercoaster. Raducanu and Rybakina surged ahead to a 9–5 lead, only to see four consecutive match points slip away. With nerves tested and momentum shifting, they managed to clinch the win on their fifth match point, sealing the final set 11–9 and advancing to the quarterfinals.

Chemistry and Confidence on Display

Though both players are primarily known for their singles success—Raducanu as the 2021 US Open champion and Rybakina as the 2022 Wimbledon winner—their chemistry on court was evident. Raducanu’s joyful “Let’s go!” and Rybakina’s understated “Survivedd” shared on social media captured the emotional high of their victory. Fans quickly embraced the duo, nicknaming them “ER²” for their initials and electric energy.

Strategic Benefits Ahead of Singles Play

This doubles win served more than just entertainment—it offered valuable match practice ahead of their singles campaigns. Raducanu is set to face Marta Kostyuk, while Rybakina awaits her second-round opponent after receiving a bye. The doubles match allowed both players to sharpen their reflexes and build confidence in a lower-pressure setting.

A Promising Partnership

For Raducanu, who has played limited doubles in her career, this victory marked a significant milestone. For Rybakina, it added depth to her already impressive season. Their win at the Citi Open not only advanced them in the draw but also hinted at the potential of a dynamic partnership that could surprise more established teams in future tournaments.

Rybakina in Washington, ranking, and results in 2025

Ranked world no.12, the Kazakhstani has a 31-13 record in 2025. Rybakina is participating in Washington where she toppled

Elena Rybakina will face the world no.88 Victoria Mboko in the 2^nd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other till now in top competitions.

The Kazakhstani has won 1 title in 2025 in Strasbourg.

Rybakina won 9 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 4 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)

Rybakina is scheduled to compete next in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale). She will start from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of July.

Emma Raducanu in 2025

Currently ranked no.46, Raducanu played her last match on the 4^th of July when she surrendered to world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(6) 6-4 in the 3^rd round in Wimbledon (draw).

Until now, during this year Emma achieved a compiled 18-14 record.

Raducanu is scheduled to compete next in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of July.

Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu squared off just on 1 occasion. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Rybakina.

Source link