Jessica Pegula has ended Emma Raducanu’s run at the Cincinnati Open, the American number one prevailing in straight sets on Thursday evening.
Raducanu, the US Open champion, has found some form this week with dominant victories over Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, upping expectations ahead of her first-ever showdown with Pegula.
While Raducanu was competitive throughout the last-16 contest in Ohio, she ultimately succumbed 7-5 6-4 to the world number eight.
The pair traded breaks of serve in the opening four games and although Raducanu hung with her higher-ranked opponent who had the home support, that would prove to be her only break of serve in the contest.
Raducanu dropped serve in the 11th game of the first set and third game of the second, a period which ultimately swung the match in Pegula’s favour.
However, there was success for Cameron Norrie in the men’s draw as he made light work of American newcomer Ben Shelton.
The British number one needed less than an hour to post a 6-0 6-2 triumph over the 19-year-old, who had stunned French Open finalist Casper Ruud in the previous round.
Norrie broke serve on five occasions as Shelton contributed eight double faults, and the left-hander will now attempt to end a three-match losing streak against Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight.