Emma Raducanu lost a dramatic third-round match to world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open, falling 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. The Emma Raducanu Cincinnati Open incident drew attention for two flashpoints: a coaching warning and a dispute over a crying child in the stands, reported by UK outlets covering the match.
Coaching Warning Under New Rules
Midway through the contest, the chair umpire warned Raducanu after she moved toward her coach, Roig, during a changeover. Under rules introduced for 2025, on-court coaching is permitted only between points, at changeovers and set breaks, and must be brief and discreet. Coaches may not leave their positions, and players may not actively approach them between points, according to various report’s account of the exchange. Raducanu accepted the clarification and continued.
Crying Child Prompts Exchange with Umpire
Later, play paused when Raducanu raised concern about a crying child disrupting her serve.
The umpire replied, “It’s a child. Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?”
Some spectators shouted “Yes!” before the match resumed.
The Express noted it was unclear whether the family left. The same report described a marathon third-set service game for Raducanu that lasted more than 20 minutes and reached deuce 13 times.
Signs of Progress Before New York
Despite defeat, the 22-year-old showed resilience against the top seed. The Express added that Raducanu plans to team up with Carlos Alcaraz in a revamped mixed doubles event in New York scheduled the week before the US Open main draw, and that she is working with new coach Roig, who previously collaborated with Rafael Nadal. As the Emma Raducanu Cincinnati Open incident made headlines, her form and fitness remain under scrutiny ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam.
The Emma Raducanu Cincinnati Open incident underscores how the sport’s updated coaching rules and in-stadium etiquette can shape high-pressure moments, even as Raducanu continues to rebuild toward the majors.
