Why does it always feel like Emma Raducanu is just inches away from a breakthrough — and yet time and again, the moment slips through her fingers?
In a dramatic third-round match at the China Open, Raducanu raced ahead, looked composed and in control — only to let it unravel in a way that’s increasingly becoming a worrying pattern. Against Jessica Pegula, she surged early, grabbed the first set and even held multiple match points in the second. Then the shift happened. Pegula clawed back, won a tough tiebreak and the third set became a rout. Raducanu was done. Yahoo Sports+3Tennis365+3Tennis365+3
What makes it even more alarming: this isn’t the first time Raducanu has melted when victory seemed almost certain. In a similar script just days earlier, she held match points, only to crumble in the decider. Tennis365+1
Let’s unpack what happened — and why fans, coaches and commentators are now sounding alarm bells:
The Good
For large stretches of the match, Raducanu looked every bit the champion in waiting. Her serve had punch, her baseline game was aggressive, and she was clearly elevated. In the opening set and into the second, she dictated play. Analysts were nodding. Tennis365+1
Then the Collapse
With everything to play for, Raducanu somehow let slip: she missed three match points in the tiebreak, and then allowed Pegula to dominate the final set to the tune of 6-0. That’s not just losing — that’s an explosion of momentum in the wrong direction. Tennis365+1
The Worrying Trend
Here’s the scary bit: when the pressure is highest, Raducanu’s game disappears. She’s not just losing — she’s unravelling. Former pros have noted the “pattern emerging” and warned that opponents will latch on to it. Tennis365+1
And it’s not just tactical issues. There’s a mental fragility creeping in — perhaps fatigue, perhaps confidence wobble. Whatever it is, it’s becoming predictable.
What Must Change
-
Closing ability: She’s got the tools. She’s got the level. But converting the big moments? That’s missing.
-
Physical & mental stamina: The collapse often comes when the third set begins. Does her engine drop off? Do nerves creep in?
-
Resetting the mindset: When match point arrives, it’s do or die. Right now, it feels like Raducanu is dying inside.
The Upside
Despite the result, there’s reason for optimism. She played like a player who can beat top-10 opponents. If she can tighten the decisive periods, the logic is: wins will follow. Tennis365+1
Raducanu has said she’s aware of the situation. Now the question is: Will she act? Because in the world of elite tennis, awareness alone isn’t enough. At this level, when a pattern emerges — and everyone else knows about it — the clock starts ticking.
Fans across Britain and beyond will be watching closely: is this another near-miss, or is it the beginning of something ominous? The potential for greatness is very real. But so too is the danger of slipping into a label of “could-have-been.”
The question now: Will Emma Raducanu break the cycle — or will the cycle break her?
