Emma Raducanu calls chance to play Serena Williams ‘an amazing gift’, Cincinnati opener pushed back to Tuesday
- Western & Southern Open organisers delay match by 24 hours because of scheduling issues
- Williams is in the last few weeks of her illustrious career after announcing her decision to retire
Emma Raducanu will have to wait just a little longer before she gets to face Serena Williams at this week’s Western & Southern Open.
The pair were expected to play at the tournament in Mason, Ohio, on Monday, but organisers said that has now been put back 24 hours because of “a number of factors related to scheduling”.
Having announced her decision to retire, Williams is in the last few weeks of her illustrious career, and Raducanu said being able to play the 41-year-old was an “amazing opportunity”.
“I was excited, I was happy,” the defending US Open champion said. “I think it’s an amazing gift to play the best tennis player of all time on her way out.
“It’s probably going to be my last opportunity to play her unless I draw her [at the US Open] in New York. But I think whatever happens it’s just going to be a great memory that I’ll always have.”
Williams has said she wants to have another child and pursue business interests, and while the 23-time grand slam champion has not said what her last event will be, her final farewell is expected to come at the US Open, which begins on August 29 in New York.
