"The grass gave me a slight advantage, but we'll see," says Raducanu ahead of her clash with Sabalenka

After a solid opening match against Danilovic (6-3, 6-2) in the second round of Cincinnati (first-round bye), Raducanu will face a tough challenge against world No. 1 and defending champion Sabalenka. The two players have already met this year, in the third round of Wimbledon (a win for the Belarusian, 7-6, 6-4). Asked about this highly anticipated showdown in a press conference, the British player responded:

"I’m sensible and honest enough with myself to know that different surfaces favor different players. So I think the grass gave me a slight advantage against her, but we’ll see what happens.

It’s hard to accept a loss like that, but at the same time, I’m playing against Aryna, who is a great champion. I have to be proud of my efforts. It gives me confidence because before, I felt like I was light-years away from the top."

The match is scheduled as the second fixture on the center court (P&G Center Court), right after the match between Bouzas Maneira and Townsend.