Emma Raducanu opponent complains about her teasing in 'very unpleasant' match
Emma Raducanu will take on world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round on Friday, with the British No.1 set to be roared on by a partisan Centre Court crowd
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain gestures with a peace sign as she celebrates her victory against Marketa Vondrousova
Emma Raducanu has made an impressive start at Wimbledon, securing her place in the third round for the second year running. This marks the first occasion Raducanu has won two consecutive matches at a Grand Slam across two years, with the 2021 US Open champion gearing up for her next match on Friday afternoon.
Despite her strong performance, predictions suggest Raducanu's Wimbledon run may halt in the third round as she faces world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Although the odds may not be in her favour, the British crowd on Centre Court is expected to fervently support the 22 year old.
Raducanu consistently enjoys the backing of the local fans at Wimbledon, and it's been nearly half a century since a British player has won the Championships.
The support was evident during her Wednesday match against Marketa Vondrousova, where Raducanu emerged victorious with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win amidst enthusiastic cheers.
Post-match, Vondrousova expressed her exasperation at the overwhelming support for Raducanu, stating: "It's very difficult with her in the centre, it seems to me that she's a complete idol here.", reports the Express.
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"The centre was packed and she was still teasing people and demanding that they support her.
"She was very excited herself, from the second ball she was shouting all over the court.
"It's obvious that she's enjoying it. It's just not pleasant. And when you play this well, you're in a good mood and it's hard to get out of it."
Raducanu is likely to require much more than merely the cheer of the spectators to triumph over favourite Sabalenka in Friday afternoon's contest.
Aryna Sabalenka
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved )
Their only other encounter in a competitive setting occurred at this year's Indian Wells, where the Belarusian emerged victorious.
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In anticipation of their match, Raducanu remarked: "I definitely think playing Aryna, she's No. 1 in the world for a reason.
"You can't really do nothing or give nothing balls to her. I'm going to have to be aggressive but pick my moments and not be overly (aggressive).
"I think you can fall into that trap, too. I don't think I'm going to go out there and out-power her, like size-wise and power-wise."
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