Emma Raducanu put together one of her most impressive performances earlier this week, yet still fell short against Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open.
She took her first-ever set off the world number one and looked like she might even claim her maiden victory, given how impressively she was battling with her out-of-sorts opponent.
READ MORE: Jannik Sinner outlines how conditions change from day to night at the Cincinnati Open
But most of those errors came from Raducanu’s sharp hitting. Still, she’ll be frustrated not to have taken advantage of Sabalenka’s struggles, especially after going a break up in the third set.
One moment in particular caught the eye of tennis pundit Rennae Stubbs, who criticised the rule that allowed it.
Umpire’s Decision Leaves Emma Raducanu Frustrated at Cincinnati Open
David Law wasn’t pleased with the way the situation was handled, speaking out on The Tennis Podcast about Raducanu’s interaction with the umpire.
They also brought up her coach, Victor Roig, and his constant feedback throughout the first set and a half. At one point, she walked over to him during a changeover to hear what he was saying, but that led to a warning from the umpire.
“I mean, if you’re gonna have courtside coaching, and she said, yes, but you’re playing music, I can’t hear him, so I’ve got to go physically closer,” Law added. “Otherwise give me the earphones and I’ll hear what all the viewers are hearing because they’re hearing everything.”
Catherine Whitaker clarified: “The rule is basically you’re allowed to sort of passively take on as much on-court coaching as possible but you’re not allowed to proactively seek it out.” Law didn’t hold back in response: “Ridiculous. Total joke.”
Emma Raducanu and Victor Roig building early trust
Even though they haven’t worked together for long, Roig’s approach with Raducanu during her recent match against Aryna Sabalenka offered plenty of encouraging signs for the future.
He was supportive yet direct, mixing encouragement with clear tactical input. At times, he told her where to place her serve, and during tougher moments, reminded her that she was the better player on the court.
There was one particular comment from Roig that stood out to Annabel Croft. She picked up on it during commentary because there was so much substance in what he shared throughout the match.
Croft explained: “One of the things I thought was interesting that Victor Roig said to Emma Raducanu when he came out, I think it was at one set all after she’d lost the second set 6-0.”
“He came out and said it would be impossible to play at the level you did in the first set for two sets. And I think that’s true because it was so intense.”
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