Emma Raducanu Teams Up with Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina for Doubles at DC Open, Faces Naomi Osaka in Singles Showdown

SME News Europe. Emma Raducanu is doubling down on her preparations for the US Open by entering both the singles and doubles draws at this week’s DC Open in Washington, a key stop on the North American hard-court swing.Fresh from a confident straight-sets win over No. 7 seed Marta Kostyuk, the 22-year-old British star now faces a marquee second-round clash with former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the tournament. The encounter pits two former US Open champions against each other—Raducanu having triumphed in 2021 and Osaka in both 2018 and 2020.Despite both players facing injury setbacks and dips in form in recent seasons, the matchup offers a fascinating test of form ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.### Doubles Surprise: Raducanu Partners with Elena RybakinaIn a surprise move that has caught the attention of tennis fans worldwide, Raducanu has teamed up with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the women’s doubles draw. Though neither player is a doubles specialist, both are using the event to sharpen their games on hard courts and build momentum ahead of their singles campaigns in New York.The pairing is particularly significant for Raducanu, who is preparing to make her **mixed doubles debut at the US Open alongside men’s world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz. Playing doubles in Washington provides an opportunity to fine-tune her net play and on-court communication—key elements in a successful doubles campaign.Rybakina, ranked world No. 12 in singles, is also planning a mixed doubles appearance at Flushing Meadows, where she will partner with American Taylor Fritz. Strategic Transition to Hard CourtsRaducanu’s decision to play both formats in Washington reflects a broader strategy aimed at regaining match sharpness and adjusting to hard courts following the grass-court season. After a narrow third-round exit at Wimbledon to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Raducanu expressed her desire to add versatility to her game—particularly at the net, where doubles competition offers valuable repetitions.The DC Open is expected to serve as a critical confidence-building ground for both Raducanu and Rybakina as they gear up for what promises to be a highly competitive US Open.Stay tuned for what could be a thrilling week in Washington, with Raducanu firmly in the spotlight—both as a singles contender and a doubles partner to watch.