Emma Raducanu says she feels 'more comfortable in myself' after beating Naomi Osaka at the Washington Open
Updated 24/07/2025 at 23:50 GMT+1
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Emma Raducanu impressively beat Naomi Osaka 6-4 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Washington Open. After the match, Raducanu admitted she feels "more comfortable in myself" as she now prepares to face Maria Sakkari in the last eight. There was defeat however for two British men - Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans - in Washington on Thursday.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Emma Raducanu admits she feels "more comfortable in myself" as she superbly beat Naomi Osaka 6-4 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Washington Open.
The former US Open winner produced a dominant performance against the four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan.
She will next meet wildcard Maria Sakkari in the last eight, after the Greek player knocked out American No. 2 seed Emma Navarro.
Raducanu told the Tennis Channel: "I feel a lot more composed, I feel more relaxed, more comfortable in myself and just what I'm doing on and off the court."
The British player feels she is reaping the benefits of the hard work she is putting in off the court.
"I think I'm putting a lot of good work in, so it takes the pressure off the results because I know how much I'm doing behind the scenes," Raducanu said.
"I'm really just enjoying my tennis, enjoying getting better, and collecting as many good days as possible in a row.
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"It's pretty childish but I'm trying to keep this streak going as long as possible of good days, it's like a Snapchat streak. I'm on a high number right now, so I just want to keep it going."
Raducanu's serve was a key weapon as she proved far too strong for Osaka, who is twice an Australian Open champion and twice a winner of the US Open.
The 22-year-old earlier said in her interview on court how pleased she was to see off such a "dangerous" opponent.
"I felt it was going to be a really difficult match," she said.
"Naomi’s won four Slams, been world No. 1, won the Masters, she’s so dangerous.
"On hard courts, she’s particularly comfortable. I knew I was gonna have to play really well."
Raducanu will replace Katie Boulter as British No. 1 when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday.
Elsewhere in Washington, Britons Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans were both beaten in the last 16 on Thursday.
The 14th seed Brandon Nakashima beat Norrie 7-6(3) 6-3, while Corentin Moutet beat Evans 6-2 7-6(4).
Raducanu back on court for doubles victory
Shortly after her fine victory over Osaka, Raducanu was back on court for a women's doubles quarter-final.
Raducanu and Elena Rybakina claimed a 7-6(6) 6-4 win over Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi to reach the last four.
The pair were trailing in the opening set tie-break, before fighting back to win it. And they went on to seal a straight-sets victory.
Raducanu and Rybakina will face Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai in the semi-finals.
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