It was a hugely impressive performance from the Bromley teenager, who hit five aces to zero double faults and produced a confident display on her serve, winning 76 per cent of points on her first serve and 75 per cent on her second. And a win over an icon of the sport like Williams could be exactly what Raducanu needs in the lead-up to her US Open title defence, with the final Major of the year starting in 13 days.
The win also appears to be a positive sign in the early stages of Raducanu’s trial period with new coach Dmitry Tursunov, who was present in her box for the blockbuster clash and could be seen beaming as his charge won the first set. For now, the world No 13 remains in Cincinnati where she will next face another multi-Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 in Victoria Azarenka.
