Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Emma Raducanu once again on Monday evening, defeating the British player for the second time in just over a month.
After a closely-fought battle went the way of Sabalenka in the Wimbledon fourth round, Emma Raducanu was hoping for revenge when she drew the Belarusian again at the Cincinnati Open.
Despite a spirited performance from the British number one, Sabalenka emerged the victor, winning 7-6 4-6 7-6.
While Raducanu proved her worth as a potential top 10 WTA Tour player further down the line, Sabalenka again demonstrated an ability to perform well in the biggest moments against British players.
In fact, Sabalenka’s victory over Raducanu resulted in the Belarusian achieving a landmark record against British players that hasn’t been accomplished in 33 years.
Aryna Sabalenka has won her first 10 WTA main draw matches against British opponents
British players have struggled mightily against Aryna Sabalenka.
As per OptaAce, Aryna Sabalenka is the first player to win all her first 10 WTA main draw meetings against British opponents since American former world number four Mary Joe Fernandez, who achieved the feat between 1985 and 1992.
In these 10 meetings, Sabalenka has beaten Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage and Naomi Broady.
The world number one will now play Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maniero in the Cincinnati Open round of 16.
The Spaniard knocked out Venus Williams in round one and reached the Canadian Open quarter-finals the week previous.
If she can overcome Bouzas Maneiro, Sabalenka is guaranteed a quarter-final match against a Grand Slam champion; she would face either Madison Keys or Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka’s eight-year dominance against British players
The world number one has certainly enjoyed playing against the British contingent.
In fact, she has won her first 10 WTA Tour-level main draw matches against British players since first beating now-retired Johanna Konta at the 2018 Cincinnati Open.
Since then, Sabalenka has defeated Emma Raducanu three times, Katie Boulter four times, and Sonay Kartal and Jodie Burrage on one occasion each.
| Tournament | Opponent | Result |
| 2018 Cincinnati Open | Johanna Konta | 4-6 6-3 6-4 |
| 2019 Australian Open | Katie Boulter | 6-3 6-4 |
| 2021 Wimbledon | Katie Boulter | 4-6 6-3 6-3 |
| 2023 US Open | Jodie Burrage | 6-3 6-2 |
| 2023 Beijing Open | Katie Boulter | 7-5 7-6 |
| 2024 Indian Wells | Emma Raducanu | 6-3 7-5 |
| 2024 Canadian Open | Katie Boulter | 6-3 6-3 |
| 2025 Indian Wells | Sonay Kartal | 6-1 6-2 |
| 2025 Wimbledon | Emma Raducanu | 7-6 6-4 |
| 2025 Cincinnati Open | Emma Raducanu | 7-6 4-6 7-6 |
Former British number one Heather Watson defeated Sabalenka in 2017 at the Cagnes Sur Mer Open in France; an event that is part of the WTA 125k series. Watson won their round of 32 match 7-6 4-6 6-2.
However, Sabalenka had her revenge during Cincinnati Open qualifying that very same year, triumphing 7-6 6-4. She also defeated Naomi Broady at the 2017 Mumbai Open; another WTA 125k event.
