Aryna Sabalenka Outlasts Emma Raducanu To Enter Wimbledon Last 16
Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from Emma Raducanu and a partisan Centre Court crowd to stay in the running for her first Wimbledon title on Friday. In an exhilarating match under the Centre Court roof, the world number one defeated the former US Open champion 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in two hours, advancing to the fourth round.
Sabalenka found an extra level when needed as the British player's form dipped slightly, avoiding the fate of many other top players at this year's championships.
Though it is only day five of Wimbledon, just four of the top 10 women's seeds remain, with half of the men's top 10 also eliminated.
'I had to fight for every point like crazy," said Sabalenka, who has never gone beyond the semi-finals at the All England Club. 'I'm super happy with the win, of course. I'm super happy to see her healthy and back on track. I'm pretty sure that she will be back in the top 10 soon."
A Challenging Atmosphere For Sabalenka
The 27-year-old Belarusian commented on the challenging crowd atmosphere.
'What an atmosphere," she said. 'My ears are still hurting, honestly. It was super loud. Every time you were cheering her, I was trying to tell myself to just pretend that you were cheering for me. I had goosebumps."
Raducanu, ranked 40th in the world, quickly showed she was not intimidated by her powerful opponent. Matching the three-time Grand Slam champion blow for blow, she secured the first break in the fifth game when a blistering drive forced Sabalenka to net a backhand.
Raducanu clenched her fist in delight as the crowd's roar echoed under the closed roof. Despite trailing 4-2, Sabalenka quickly drew level in the eighth game.
Although Sabalenka aimed to finish strong, Raducanu saved seven set points in a marathon 10th game, then broke in the next game, only for Sabalenka to immediately break back.
A rollercoaster tie-break ultimately went Sabalenka's way as she saved a set point and secured a deft volley to take the lead. The 22-year-old British player regained the initiative by breaking in the fourth game of the second set and holding her serve amidst wild cheers from the captivated crowd.
Sabalenka, her grunts amplified under the roof, saved a break point in the sixth game to stay alive in the second set. However, Raducanu missed her chances in the following game, going long with a forehand and losing her serve.
Sabalenka then stepped up a gear, hitting a backhand down the line followed by an ace to level the score at 4-4. A couple of errors in the subsequent game gave Raducanu a tough challenge, resulting in her being broken again.
Sabalenka's double fault offered Raducanu hope, but the British player netted to ignite celebrations from the top seed, who is now a strong favourite to win the tournament.
With AFP Inputs
First Published:
July 05, 2025, 08:59 IST
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