Emma Raducanu delivered one of her most compelling performances yet at Wimbledon, pushing world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka to the edge in a dramatic third-round encounter. The British star, playing with immense spirit and precision, came close to pulling off a major upset but was ultimately denied as Sabalenka triumphed 7-6 (6), 6-4 to advance to the fourth round.
The match was a high-octane display of skill and intensity, unfolding under the closed Centre Court roof with 15,000 fans creating a raucous atmosphere. Raducanu, buoyed by the support, brought a fearless approach to the match, showcasing her improved serve, sharper forehand, and defensive prowess. She earned a set point in the first and held a break point for a 5-1 lead in the second, showing she could stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
Despite those chances, Sabalenka demonstrated why she holds the top ranking. Each time Raducanu looked poised to break away, the Belarusian elevated her level, finding big serves and bold winners in crucial moments. The first set alone lasted 74 minutes, filled with tension and breathtaking rallies. Raducanu fought off seven set points at 4-5 with remarkable serving before breaking Sabalenka for a 6-5 lead. Yet Sabalenka responded swiftly, breaking back and eventually clinching the tie-break after saving a set point with a deft drop shot and finishing the set with a confident volley.
Even after the exhausting first set, Raducanu’s determination did not waver. She continued pressing in the second, creating a chance to go 5-1 up. But a missed forehand at a pivotal moment allowed Sabalenka to regain momentum. From 1-4 down, the world No 1 reeled off five consecutive games to close out the match, demonstrating not just power but mental toughness.
Raducanu, though clearly disappointed, took positives from the performance. She noted that while the loss was tough to take, pushing the world’s best to the brink confirmed her progress and narrowed the perceived gap between herself and the top players. Her grit and belief were evident throughout, and her game appears to have matured, particularly on grass.
Sabalenka, for her part, acknowledged Raducanu’s growth, predicting a return to the top 10 for the British player in the near future. With this match, Raducanu not only reignited belief in her potential but also reaffirmed her place on tennis’s biggest stages. Despite falling short, this was a major step forward one that could mark the beginning of a genuine resurgence.
