So close yet so far. In the past couple of months, Emma Raducanu has twice pushed the world’s leading player to the brink.
On Friday, Raducanu has another chance to test herself against one of the very best, meeting 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina for a spot in the US Open fourth round.
While the British number one ultimately fell short of beating Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open, 36th-ranked Raducanu’s performances were a mark of her encouraging progress.
“When Raducanu has taken on top-10 players in previous years, it felt she was a little lightweight going up against the power players,” former world number one Lindsay Davenport told BBC Sport.
“Over the last couple of months that feeling has left my mind.
“Against Sabalenka, Raducanu was not only able to absorb the power but also able to push her around.
“Facing Rybakina will be a huge battle – but I give Raducanu a chance.”
Despite the positives of her performances against Sabalenka, 22-year-old Raducanu has still only won three of her 17 matches against top-10 players.
The 2021 US Open champion has also never beaten a fellow Grand Slam winner.
Rybakina might be seeded ninth in New York this year, but the recent bulldozing of Sabalenka in Cincinnati – winning 6-1 6-4 – was a reminder of her threat.
“It’s great to see her looking healthy and looking better on court,” added three-time major champion Davenport, whose serving was also the bedrock of her success.
“But Raducanu has made a lot of huge improvements too. Her serve is better and her legs look stronger.”