Emma Raducanu is definitely feeling all the Washington heat this week as the British tennis star compared the conditions in the United States capital to "putting your head in the oven."
Throughout the week, hot and humid conditions have been the case in Washington. On Friday, it was the same story.
Raducanu, who was slated to play two matches on Friday, beat Maria Sakkari 6-4 7-5 to reach the singles semifinal. But it didn't come easily since the 2021 US Open visibly felt unwell during the second set and had to take a medical timeout so she could get her blood pressure checked. Later that, the 22-year-old also teamed up with Elena Rybakina in the Washington doubles semifinal, but they retired after only five games played and while trailing 1-4 to Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai.
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Raducanu on the Washington conditions: Like you just opened an oven and put your head there
"I think the humidity here, as well, it just makes it feel completely like you have just opened an oven and it just stayed open and your head is in there. That's how it feels. Wimbledon, it gets hot in England, but it's a drier heat, not quite the same sweating," the Briton explained.
"Today, even in the match warmup, you just go outside and you're sweating. Honestly, it's even hotter watching, I think, because you're sat and you don't create any movement and wind and flowing. A credit to everyone, yeah, and much appreciated to getting out higher and watching."
A positive thing for Raducanu is the fact that she has made her first semifinal of the year in Washington. Today, she plays against Anna Kalinskaya. If the Briton beats the Russian, she will make her first final since the 2021 US Open.
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Heading into the match, one thing is for sure - Raducanu will be hoping to survive the conditions but also find a winning tactic against Kalinskaya. The 22-year-old Briton and the 26-year-old Russian have no previous meetings, but bothlove playing on hard courts so there could be some fireworks.
