WATCH: Emma Raducanu gets crowd support as she clashes with umpire over crying child’s removal in Cincinnati Open clash vs Aryna Sabalenka
In a dramatic third-round match at the 2025 Cincinnati Open on August 11, Emma Raducanu found herself in a heated exchange with chair umpire Miriam Bley over a crying child in the crowd during her epic battle against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The incident, which occurred during a critical moment in the third set, saw Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, pause her service game to address the disruption, earning vocal support from the audience as she pushed for the child’s removal.
#### The Incident: A Cry in the Heat of Battle
The match, a rematch of their Wimbledon clash earlier in 2025, was a three-hour, nine-minute thriller that ended with Sabalenka narrowly prevailing 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5). During a pivotal service game in the third set, with Raducanu trailing 3-4 and facing multiple break points, a child’s persistent crying disrupted her focus. The game, which lasted an astonishing 25 minutes and featured 13 deuces, was a testament to Raducanu’s resilience as she fended off four break points to hold serve for 4-4.
Frustrated by the ongoing disturbance, Raducanu halted her serve and confronted the umpire, saying, “It’s been, like, 10 minutes [of crying].” Bley responded sharply, “It’s a child… Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?” The crowd, sensing Raducanu’s frustration, rallied behind her, with several spectators shouting “Yes!” in support, prompting a smile and a nod from the British No. 1. The umpire acknowledged the issue, stating, “I can call in, but we need to continue for the moment,” and play resumed. It remains unclear whether the child and their family left the stands, but Raducanu held serve after the exchange, showcasing her mental fortitude.
Crowd and Social Media Reaction
The moment, captured in a viral video shared by @kostekcanu on X, sparked widespread discussion. Fans on X, including @pavyg, found the umpire’s retort—“What do you want me to do, chuck the child out of the stadium?!”—humorous, while others, like @Anthony606061, supported Raducanu, arguing, “Remove the crying child, so the players can concentrate on the match, and all the fans who paid good money to watch can enjoy.” Some criticized the umpire’s handling, with @TennisUpdates25 questioning why security didn’t intervene earlier given the 91-degree heat and tennis’s requirement for silence during points.
#### Additional Flashpoint: Coaching Controversy
The crying child wasn’t the only contentious moment. Raducanu also faced a warning from Bley for seeking advice from her new coach, Francis Roig, during the match. While serving in the first set, Raducanu was heard saying “help me understand” to Roig, prompting the umpire to intervene: “Emma, you cannot actively approach him, and he cannot leave his position. You know that.” Raducanu, citing loud music, responded, “I can’t hear anything,” but apologized after being reminded of the rules.
#### Raducanu’s Reflection and Sabalenka’s Praise
Despite the loss, Raducanu expressed pride in her performance, telling media, “She’s world No. 1 for a reason. I pushed her more than I did at Wimbledon, so that’s an improvement.” She highlighted her consistency as a key area for growth, noting Sabalenka’s superior serving and returning in big moments. Sabalenka, in turn, praised Raducanu’s effort, saying, “She played an incredible level, and it was a tough battle.” Their mutual respect was evident in a warm post-match hug, with Sabalenka’s smile lifting Raducanu’s spirits.
Context and Aftermath
The match, described by tennis journalist Jose Morgado as “one of the best matches of Raducanu’s career,” showcased her growing form under Roig’s guidance as she prepares for the US Open. However, the crying child incident drew criticism, with some fans, like those cited in ProFootballNetwork.com, arguing the umpire and security failed to manage the disruption effectively. Raducanu’s ability to navigate the chaos and hold serve underlined her mental strength, even as Sabalenka advanced to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the round of 16.
