Emma Raducanu hits a return against Victoria Azarenka in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati
Emma Raducanu has won back-to-back matches against former world number ones Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in Cincinnati

Less than 24 hours after defeating Serena Williams, British number one Emma Raducanu beat former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The reigning US Open champion continued her preparation with a victory in Cincinnati.

The 19-year-old beat Williams in straight sets in the first round of the US Open on Monday.

Next up, raducanu faces Jessica pegula.

The British player will face the American in the last 16 of the Western and Southern Open.

"I was playing a great match for sure and to play Vika I had to stay focused throughout," said Raducanu, who earned her first top 30 win since last year's US Open.

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When she won the Grand Slam title in New York last year, it was the first time in her career that she had won a major.

The victory propelled the previously little-known teenager into global superstardom, but she has since faced difficulties in her first full season on theWTA Tour.

She arrived in Cincinnati with a record of 11 wins and 14 losses this season despite being hampered by fitness issues.

With her accurate groundstrokes, she has shown a similar level to the one which led to her success at the US Open.

A more accurate appraisal of Raducanu's current level is likely to be provided by Pegula.

The 19-year-old took advantage of the 40-year-old's lack of sharpness by hitting 14 winners and making just one unforced error in a ruthless victory.

After the night session, the 21-year-old returned to Cincinnati's centre court and dominated the match against the older woman.

She was aided by the return from the two-time Grand Slam champion.

After cruising through a 26 minute opener to record a second straight bagel, Raducanu raced into a 4-0 lead in the next set and finally got on the board with a hold.

She offered more resistance, earning two break points and saving a match point before the British won the match.

The second set was difficult because of the important moments and a couple of turning points.

It was difficult to serve in the last game.