Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez advanced to the DC Open semi-finals after hard-fought wins in brutal heat. Raducanu, returning to form after injuries, defeated Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5 in scorching 35°C conditions, marking her first WTA semi-final since 2023. Fernandez, overcoming leg cramps, edged past Taylor Townsend 6-4, 7-6 to stay in the title race. The duo—who famously clashed in the 2021 US Open final—could meet again for the Washington crown. Raducanu called the conditions “brutal” but said the run proves her comeback is on track.
