Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the Wimbledon fourth round on Friday after a gripping encounter against Emma Raducanu, overcoming not just her determined opponent but also a vociferous Centre Court crowd.
In a thrilling two-hour match played under the closed roof of Centre Court, the world number one prevailed 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 against the former US Open champion.
Sabalenka elevated her game at crucial moments, capitalising as Raducanu’s intensity dipped slightly, avoiding an early exit like many top seeds this year. Only four of the top 10 women’s seeds remain, mirroring a similar trend among the men’s top players.
“I had to fight for every point like crazy,” Sabalenka said. “I’m really happy with the win and pleased to see her fit and back in form. I’m sure she’ll be back in the top 10 soon.”
Sabalenka, 27, admitted the crowd made things challenging. “What an atmosphere. My ears are still ringing. Every time the crowd cheered her, I told myself to imagine they were cheering for me. It gave me goosebumps.”
Raducanu, ranked 40th, showed no signs of intimidation, matching the Belarusian shot for shot early on. She secured the first break in the fifth game, much to the crowd’s delight.
Sabalenka responded swiftly, breaking back and forcing a tense tie-break in the first set. Despite Raducanu saving multiple set points, Sabalenka’s composure saw her through.
The second set continued to be closely fought, with Raducanu briefly taking the lead before Sabalenka rallied. After trading breaks, Sabalenka took control late on, forcing errors from the Briton to seal victory.
Now a strong favourite to lift her first Wimbledon title, Sabalenka moves forward while Raducanu’s spirited challenge ends on Centre Court.
