-Ikenna Okafor
Emma Raducanu and Serena Williams fans are furious after the blockbuster meeting was postponed until Tuesday.The defending US Open champion and 23-time major singles winner were due to face off in the first round of the WEstern and Southern Open in Cincinnati but the hotly anticipated meeting has been pushed back a day. A spokesperson for the tournament said the change was “on account of a number of factors related to scheduling.”
News of the rescheduling was met with anger by scores of fans who had purchased tickets for the match, which was the pick of the first round at the ATP hardcourt in Ohio, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration.
“This is so disappointing,” CoachCodyHurley wrote. “After spending HUNDREDS of dollars watching Serena, the schedule gets changed the night before? Been coming to watch Serena Williams play in Cincinnati since the mid 2000’s. Watching the GOAT play one last time would have been a dream come true.
Twitter user @cngunny wrote: “Came in from out of town to see her play. Now we won’t get that chance. I’m heartbroken.”
Another fan @Swim4life107 said: “I am pretty peeved off. I bought tickets and now had to pay 3x as much for Tuesday tickets. I doubt my Monday tickets will be able to resell. There better be some reimbursement.”
Williams had already reached world No 1 when Raducanu was born in November 2002 and the 19-year-old Briton has spoken of her excitement ahead of sharing a court with her idol.
“For our careers to have crossed like this, I’m fortunate to be able to play her,” Raducanu said ahead of her Cincinnati debut. “Whatever happens, it will be an incredible experience that I’ll surely remember for the rest of my life.
“It will be an exciting match, I’m looking forward to it. It will be an amazing opportunity to play the best tennis player of all time. This will probably be my last opportunity.”
Raducanu, who will make her debut at the WTA and ATP hardcourt event, is hoping to find some much-needed form ahead of the defence of her US Open crown.
Raducanu, Williams now face off tomorrow