Ruthless Rybakina ends Raducanu's US Open run

British former champion beaten 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour

- ELEANOR CROOKS

Emma Raducanu's US Open campaign came to a brutal end yesterday in the third round at the hands of former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Raducanu had breezed through to the third round, winning her first two matches for the loss of only six games, but here she was on the receiving end as Rybakina powered to a 6-1 6-2 victory in just 62 minutes.

Rybakina may only be seeded ninth but everyone on the women's tour knows she is virtually unstoppable when on her game, with the Kazakh player having beaten world number one Aryna Sabalenka in her last tournament in Cincinnati for the loss of just five games.

Rybakina has been usurped by Coco Gauff as part of the big three of women's tennis with Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek after a difficult year, with her long-time coach Stefano Vukov having been suspended following allegations of mistreatment against her.

Rybakina has stood staunchly by Vukov and his suspension was lifted earlier this month, allowing him to return to her team at tournaments.