Tennis Star Emma Raducanu Protests Crying Child at Cincinnati Open

During a third-round match at the Cincinnati Open, tennis star Emma Raducanu voiced her concerns about a crying child spectator, requesting the chair umpire to intervene. The incident occurred during the third set as Raducanu faced top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu, who was trailing 4-3, reportedly grew increasingly disturbed by the persistent noise from the child, prompting her to pause the game and ask the umpire to address the situation. The umpire’s response, although not fully audible, indicated that the child could not be immediately removed due to logistical constraints. However, the crowd showed support for Raducanu’s request. Despite the interruption, Sabalenka won the third-set tiebreak 7-5 to secure the victory. After the match, Raducanu expressed pride in pushing Sabalenka to a decisive tiebreak, acknowledging the challenge of competing on a hard court. She reiterated her belief that grass courts are more suited to her game, adding that her performance in this match marked an improvement over her Wimbledon encounter. Raducanu currently ranks 39th in WTA standings, with the 2025 U.S. Open set to begin in Queens, New York, on August 18.