Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina Labeled ‘Disgrace’ Over Doubles Retirement at 2025 Citi DC Open
New York, August 28, 2025 — Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina, set to clash in the third round of the 2025 US Open, faced backlash earlier this year when they were branded a “disgrace” by some fans for retiring mid-match during their women’s doubles semifinal at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in July. The controversy, which resurfaced ahead of their high-stakes singles encounter on August 29, stemmed from their decision to withdraw while trailing 1-4 against eventual champions Taylor Townsend and Shuai Zhang, sparking debate over their commitment to doubles (*The Mirror*, August 28, 2025).
The DC Open Incident and Fan Backlash
Raducanu and Rybakina, partnering for the first time, had reached the Citi DC Open semifinals, raising expectations of a deep run. However, their sudden retirement after just five games, citing Raducanu’s heat-related struggles, drew ire from spectators who felt shortchanged. One fan posted on X, “What a waste of a doubles slot… disgrace to the game,” while another criticized, “Why waste a slot if you’re not gonna play?” (*The Mirror*). The move was seen as disrespectful by some, with detractors arguing the star pair, expected to contend for the title, undermined the event’s integrity (*Express.co.uk*, August 28, 2025). Despite the backlash, both players moved on, with Rybakina later praising Raducanu as “a nice girl” but noting they “rarely” text due to busy schedules (*Sportskeeda.com*, August 28, 2025).
US Open Context and Redemption
Fast forward to the US Open, Raducanu has been in scintillating form, breaking her own record for her fastest Grand Slam win with a 59-minute 6-1, 6-1 rout of Janice Tjen (*BBC Sport*, August 27, 2025). Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, advanced with a 6-3, 7-6(7) win over Tereza Valentova, setting up their first singles clash since Rybakina’s 6-0, 6-1 drubbing of Raducanu in 2022 (*USOpen.org*). Rybakina acknowledged Raducanu’s resurgence, saying, “She’s playing really well now and knows this place better than anyone” (*Tennisuptodate.com*). Fans on X are split, with one post noting, “Emma and Elena got flak in DC, but they’re proving their class now!” (@TennisFanUK, August 27, 2025), while another recalled, “Still mad about that doubles exit” (@TennisVibes, August 27, 2025).
