Rising Star Emma Raducanu Reaches Rotterdam Open Final in Stunning Comeback

Emma Raducanu continued her remarkable resurgence with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over world No. 8 Maria Sakkari in the Rotterdam Open semifinals, earning her first WTA final appearance since early 2024. The 23-year-old British star served notice that her injury struggles are firmly behind her with a performance that showcased the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.

The match began evenly, with both players holding serve until Raducanu struck in the seventh game. Her aggressive return game, which has become increasingly effective over the past month, put immediate pressure on Sakkari's serve. The Greek player, known for her powerful baseline game, struggled to find her rhythm against Raducanu's precise shot placement and court positioning.

Raducanu's serve, which has been a work in progress since her 2021 US Open triumph, looked remarkably improved throughout the encounter. She won 78% of her first-serve points and saved all three break points she faced, demonstrating the mental fortitude that many questioned during her injury-plagued 2024 season. Her 23 winners to just 14 unforced errors reflected a player who has found the perfect balance between aggression and control.

The second set saw Raducanu elevate her game further, breaking Sakkari twice in the opening four games to establish a commanding 4-0 lead. Sakkari managed to halt the momentum briefly with a service break of her own, but Raducanu immediately responded with another break to close out the victory. The British No. 1 celebrated with restraint, aware that her biggest test still lies ahead.

In Sunday's final, Raducanu will face either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or surprise semifinalist Linda Nosková. Both potential opponents present unique challenges, with Sabalenka's power game contrasting sharply with Nosková's crafty court craft. Raducanu's coach, Dmitry Tursunov, has emphasized the importance of maintaining the aggressive mindset that has served her so well this week.

This breakthrough week in Rotterdam represents more than just a return to form for Raducanu. After 18 months of injury setbacks and early exits, she appears to have rediscovered the fearless approach that captivated the tennis world during her maiden Grand Slam victory. With the French Open and Wimbledon approaching, her timing couldn't be more perfect.

Regardless of Sunday's result, Raducanu's path back to the top of women's tennis seems firmly established. The question now is not whether she can return to Grand Slam contention, but how quickly she can get there.