Emma Raducanu faces Serena Williams for the first, and probably last, time tonight in Cincinnati.
In what is a blockbuster first-round clash at the Western & Southern Open, Raducanu will be looking to find the sort of hard-court form that took her all the way to the US Open title in stunning fashion 12 months ago. The Brit defends her crown at Flushing Meadows later this month.
Williams has suggested that these are the final weeks of her professional tennis career, with the 40-year-old stating she will be “evolving away” from the sport after the US Open.
She’ll be desperate to go out on a high, even if a 24th Grand Slam title is unlikely, and the American returns to a tournament she won in 2014 and 2015.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting match,” Raducanu said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to play probably the best tennis player of all time. It’s probably going to be my last opportunity to ever play her.
“I think that, for our careers to have crossed over, I think I’m really fortunate that I get to play her. Whatever happens, I think it’s going to be a really good experience for me and something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Here’s all you need to know about the much-anticipated match...
Date, venue and UK start time
The first-round match between Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu will take place tonight, Tuesday, August 16.
The action is scheduled to get underway at about 12am BST, with the players likely taking to court in the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time.
The winner will face either Victoria Azarenka or Kaia Kanepi in the round of 32.
How to watch Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu
TV channel: The match will be broadcast on the Amazon Prime streaming service.
Live stream: Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to watch the match either on their website or through the app.
Serena Williams vs Emma Raducau head-to-head record
The Western & Southern Open match will be the first ever meeting between the pair.
Latest odds
Raducanu to win in straight sets: 13/8
Raducanu to win in three sets: 3/1
Williams to win in straight sets: 11/4
Williams to win in three sets: 10/3
