Navratilova: Playing well in Cincinnati massive for Raducanu

Emma Raducanu’s form in Cincinnati is an encouraging sign for her US Open defence, says Martina Navratilova.

The 19-year-old has been under the spotlight since her triumph in New York 12 months ago and that will only intensify when she returns to play in the US Open.

There have been more downs than ups since she lifted the trophy at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with niggling injuries disrupting her schedule and wins hard to come by.

But there are signs that perhaps Raducanu is getting to grips with the demands of the tour and last week at the Western and Southern Open was one of her best tournaments since here last year.

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The teenager defeated Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka back to back in one-sided matches before losing a close contest against Jessica Pegula.