Emma Raducanu causes a stir as Brit finds new partner in crime in the US

Emma Raducanu is set to play doubles with Elena Rybakina at the Citi Open in Washington, with the pair having already practised together at the tournament

Emma Raducanu has forged another high-profile doubles partnership as she prepares to return to the Citi Open in Washington.

The British No. 3 had the tennis world talking when it was revealed that she would partner Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open mixed doubles event. And this week, she’s getting some practice in with a different partner.

Raducanu is set to play alongside 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the women’s doubles draw in Washington. The duo look to have a good relationship and have already had practice sessions together in the US capital, reports the Express.

The world No. 46 is becoming more familiar with doubles draws, after making her debut in Washington three years ago alongside Clara Tauson. However, she was knocked out in the first round, and didn’t play again until this year.

Recently, Raducanu partnered with fellow Brit Katie Boulter at the Queen’s Club, where they won their opening match and reached the quarter-finals. Subsequently, it was announced that the 22-year-old would team up with Alcaraz at the US Open next month.

Before she joins forces with the five-time major winner, Raducanu is getting some additional time on the doubles court with Rybakina. They are scheduled to face another Brit, Olivia Nicholls, and her partner Tereza Mihalikova in the first round on Monday.

Following her Queen’s run with Boulter, Raducanu confessed she was eager to participate in more doubles matches in the future.

“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 partnered with Rybakina before, though the world No. 12 inflicted one of her most crushing defeats in Sydney three-and-a-half years ago, prevailing 6-0 6-1.

Both players are also participating in the singles competition in Washington. The British star will kick off her run against Marta Kostyuk.

Should she progress to the second round, she’ll meet either Naomi Osaka or Yulia Putintseva. Rybakina, meanwhile, enters as the No. 3 seed with a first-round bye, setting up a second-round clash with either Anastasia Potapova or Victoria Mboko.

Raducanu made it to the quarter-finals in Washington 12 months ago, defeating eighth seed Elise Mertens before falling to eventual champion and close friend Paula Badosa.