RADUCANU SET FOR CAMEO IN SERENA SHOW

For so long, Serena Williams was a name to avoid on tour. Now, the retiring 23time Grand Slam champion represents a bucket-list challenge for anyone who grew up idolising her.

Those who are yet to test themselves against Williams want to play a part in her farewell tour and, while the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and ons Jabeur hope for that chance, Emma raducanu will have it in Cincinnati today. on one side of the court will be a 19-year-old at the start of her career. on the other will be a 40-year-old legend at the end of hers.

It is a first meeting that comes days after Williams announced her retirement. US open champion raducanu spoke warmly about the sporting icon ahead of their first-round clash. ‘It’s incredible,’ said raducanu, seeded 10th at the Western and Southern open.

‘She has achieved so much. To see her around in this US swing is really inspiring. She keeps playing because she obviously loves the game. ‘That longevity of a career is something that a lot of the players, and me especially, aspire to achieve as well. She definitely changed the game.

There’s not been someone who has dominated like her in the women’s game.’ The winner of Williams against raducanu will face Victoria Azarenka or Kaia Kanepi. After Cincinnati, Williams will turn her attention to the US open. Flushing Meadows is a fitting setting for a final farewell.

Dan Evans’ impressive run at the National Bank open has been halted by Pablo Carreno Busta, who defeated the Briton in three sets in Montreal. The 32-year-old British No 2 was eventually outlasted 7-5 6-7 6-2 in the semi-final.