Emma Raducanu has formed another blockbuster doubles partnership as she prepares to return to action at the Citi Open in Washington. The British No. 3 sent the tennis world crazy when it was announced that she would team up with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open mixed doubles event. And she’s getting some reps in with a different partner in crime this week.
Raducanu will play with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the women’s doubles draw in Washington. The pair have a good relationship and have already practised together in the US capital.
The world No. 46 is becoming more accustomed to doubles draws. Raducanu made her doubles debut in Washington three years ago with Clara Tauson, but they lost in round one, and she did not play again until this year.
Raducanu recently teamed up with countrywoman Katie Boulter at the Queen’s Club, and they won their opening match to reach the quarter-finals. It was then announced that the 22-year-old would team up with Alcaraz at the US Open next month.
Before she links up with the five-time Major winner, Raducanu is getting some extra time on the doubles court with Rybakina. They will take on another Brit, Olivia Nicholls, and her partner Tereza Mihalikova in the first round on Monday.
After her Queen’s run with Boulter, Raducanu admitted she was keen to play more doubles going forward.
“I think the time I spent on the doubles court for sure helped me for my first round here, and I think it can improve my volley skills,” she said.
“Today I picked off a few great volleys, I wasn’t really thinking, but it happened, like, naturally and it was instinctive, and that could have maybe been a part of playing some dubs.”
Raducanu has never played alongside Rybakina, but the world No. 12 handed her one of the worst losses of her career in Sydney three-and-a-half years ago, coming through 6-0 6-1.
Both women are also competing in the singles draw in Washington. The Brit will begin her campaign against Marta Kostyuk.
If she reaches the second round, she’ll face either Naomi Osaka or Yulia Putintseva. Meanwhile, Rybakina is the No. 3 seed and gets a bye into round two to take on either Anastasia Potapova or Victoria Mboko.
Raducanu reached the quarter-final in Washington 12 months ago, upsetting eighth seed Elise Mertens before losing to eventual champion and one of her good friends, Paula Badosa.
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