Emma Raducanu received an ‘outrageous’ verdict for her performance despite her loss in the Citi Open semifinals, with her rival Anna Kalinskaya’s reaction underscoring the match’s intensity. On July 26, 2025, Raducanu fell 6-4, 6-3 to Kalinskaya at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., ending her bid for a first final since her 2021 US Open triumph. Despite the defeat, commentators praised her play, with Tennis TV labeling a sublime first-set forehand down the line as “outrageous” and “tennis from another planet,” leaving Kalinskaya motionless. The crowd erupted, and Kalinskaya acknowledged the shot’s brilliance by raising her racket in respect before resuming play.
Raducanu’s effort, marked by five aces and four break-point opportunities she couldn’t convert, showcased her resurgence, boosting her live ranking to No. 37 and reclaiming the British No. 1 spot. Kalinskaya, ranked No. 48, reflected post-match, saying, “It was an interesting match. It’s nice to play against Emma. I’m proud of myself. I stayed aggressive and stuck to my plan,” admitting the pressure from Raducanu’s spells. The Russian’s gesture and words suggest admiration, not just rivalry, aligning with the ‘outrageous’ verdict that highlighted Raducanu’s competitive spirit, even in a 1-hour, 34-minute loss. She now shifts focus to the National Bank Open, starting today, facing Elena Gabriela Ruse.
