Emma Raducanu played one of the best matches of her career earlier this week, but was once again beaten by Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open.
Having taken her first-ever set against the world number one, she seemed poised to potentially even claim her maiden victory, given how impressively she was battling with her out-of-sorts opponent.
Naturally, the errors flying off the Belarusian’s racket were mostly forced by Emma Raducanu’s crisp striking of the ball, but she will feel aggrieved that she could not capitalise on an off day, especially when she found herself a break up in the deciding third.
However, despite all the good to be taken from the match, there was one flashpoint that happened midway through which caught the attention of one pundit, and led to his admonishment towards one particular tennis rule.
Emma Raducanu told off by umpire at Cincinnati Open
Speaking on The Tennis Podcast, David Law was left incensed when reacting to Raducanu’s telling off at the hands of the umpire.
Discussing the impact of her new coach, Victor Roig, they laughed about his relentless advice, particularly in the opening set and a half.
However, during one changeover, the 22-year-old approached him to better hear another suggestion, leading the umpire to call her over and tell her off.
Law was not happy with the handling of this situation: “Well, at least he was trying to [get his message across].
“I mean, the thing is, I think we heard a lot more of what he got to say and think about than she did, because she’s so far away from him, and she actually got ticked off by the umpire for going over to him, which is absurd.
“I mean, if you’re gonna have courtside coaching, and she said, yes, but you’re playing music, I can’t hear him, so I’ve got to go physically closer. Otherwise, give me the earphones and I’ll hear what all the viewers are hearing, because they’re hearing everything.”
Catherine Whitaker, the host of the podcast, then explained: “The rule is basically you’re allowed to sort of passively take on as much on-court coaching, but you’re not allowed to proactively seek it, go over and seek it out.”
Law’s reply was a short one: “Ridiculous. Total joke.”
Emma Raducanu seems to have a positive relationship with Victor Roig
Although it may only be a fledgling relationship, the way in which Roig interacts with Raducanu, particularly on court during this latest loss to Aryna Sabalenka, seems promising for their long-term suitability.
After all, he is uplifting but incisive, delivering useful advice alongside words of motivation.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Often, he would instruct her where he wanted her to serve, and if things got tough, he was heard telling her she was the best player on the court, and that the match was hers for the taking.
Annabel Croft noticed one thing about what Roig said to Raducanu during the match that particularly interested her, as there was so much to unpack from what he said throughout.
With all the experience in the world and a very clear coaching style, Roig seems set to promise that Raducanu will only continue to improve.