“Let’s go!” – Emma Raducanu beams with joy after she and Elena Rybakina ‘survive’ opening doubles match at Citi DC Open
Emma Raducanu was all smiles after she and Elena Rybakina pulled off a dramatic victory in their opening doubles match at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The British star, paired with the 2022 Wimbledon champion under the playful nickname “ER²,” overcame a shaky start to defeat the experienced duo of Tereza Mihalíková and Olivia Nicholls with a score of 2-6, 7-6(4), 11-9. Raducanu’s exuberant “Let’s go!” captured her joy, while Rybakina’s understated “Survivedd” reflected their relief after a rollercoaster tiebreak where they squandered four match points before sealing the win on the fifth.
The match tested their resilience, with the pair dropping the first set after three service breaks but staging a comeback in the second, forcing a tiebreak they won 7-4. The decisive super tiebreak saw them lead 9-5, only to see the advantage evaporate at 9-9, before clinching the final two points in a tense finish. Raducanu, with just one prior WTA doubles win, credited the experience for sharpening her volley skills, while Rybakina’s steadier doubles record (52-49) helped stabilize their effort. Their embrace post-match and social media buzz underscored the electric chemistry, delighting a packed crowd.
This victory, their first as a team, doubles as preparation for the US Open mixed doubles, where Raducanu will pair with Carlos Alcaraz and Rybakina with Taylor Fritz. Next, Raducanu faces Marta Kostyuk in singles on July 23, while Rybakina takes on Victoria Mboko, both aiming to build momentum in the WTA 500 event running through July 27. The win not only advances them to the quarter-finals but also signals a promising chapter in Raducanu’s comeback, blending joy with competitive grit.
