Raducanu Sets Up Blockbuster Sabalenka Clash at Wimbledon

British star Emma Raducanu defeated the 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. This impressive victory sets up a highly anticipated third-round match against the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka.

The British number one showcased a powerful, precise, and skillful game to overcome Vondrousova, who had recently won the grass-court title in Berlin leading up to Wimbledon.

Following her first-round win against fellow Brit Mimi Xu, Raducanu appeared comfortable on Centre Court. However, she now faces the significant challenge of playing against the top seed and three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka on Friday.

“I think today I played really, really well,” said the 22-year-old. “There were some points I have no idea how I turned around.”

“I knew playing Marketa it was going to be an extremely difficult match. She`s won this tournament and it`s a huge, huge achievement. I`m so happy with how I focused and put my game on the court.”

Raducanu employed varied tactics, mixing pace and angles effectively. She secured the first break, hitting a backhand pass down the line to go up 4-2. Although she immediately lost her serve, two double faults from Vondrousova handed Raducanu another break opportunity, which she converted. The young Brit then served out the set confidently to take the opener.

Her tactically sound play continued into the second set, where she broke Vondrousova`s serve again to lead 2-1. The Czech player showed frustration with Raducanu`s strategy, which involved strong defense and capitalizing on opportunities to attack, especially on her backhand.

Raducanu maintained her composure, holding serve impressively. She sealed the victory on her first match point when Vondrousova hit a backhand wide, securing a straightforward win.

Raducanu added: “I`m just so happy I get to play another match here. (Sabalenka) is number one in the world, so dominant, has won literally everything. I`m just so happy how I performed. I guess there`s no pressure at all on me.”

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka restored some order to the women`s draw by powering into the third round with a straight-sets victory over Marie Bouzkova.

Tuesday saw significant upsets with three of the top five players – Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Zheng Qinwen – exiting in the first round. However, top seed Sabalenka`s pursuit of a first Wimbledon title remains on track after a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win against Czech world No 48 Bouzkova on Centre Court.

“Honestly, it`s very sad to see so many top players lose in the first round but you better focus on yourself and stay away from the results,” Sabalenka said. “Of course, you`re going to know the overall picture but it`s better just to take it one step at a time. I hope it is no upsets anymore in this tournament – if you know what I mean! I`m really happy to be through this difficult round.”

Other British Players at Wimbledon

Tarvet gives Alcaraz run for his money

British qualifier Oliver Tarvet challenged Carlos Alcaraz before exiting Wimbledon in the second round.

The 21-year-old, still playing under US college rules, had a memorable Centre Court debut despite losing 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to the defending champion.

“Big praise to Oliver,” said the 22-year-old Alcaraz. “Only his second match on the tour and I just love his game. Some great tennis. I had to be really focused and play my best tennis.”

Norrie and Kartal surge into third round; Boulter bows out

Cameron Norrie fought back from a set down to defeat American 12th seed Frances Tiafoe in their second-round match.

The British number 3 played impressively to beat Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 and reach the third round for the fourth time in five years.

Speaking on court, Norrie said: “I was really happy when I saw the schedule. I saw I was on Court One and that`s my favourite court. It`s an amazing atmosphere and we both played a really high level.”

“I just stayed calm and played point by point. It was so nice to play Frances at such a big match. I served really well in that last game and (the crowd) were amazing in that last game, so thank you.”

“You just feel goosebumps. It`s such a special court and such a special tournament. I just walked out and smiled as much as I could. And then you have to go out to battle. I`m really happy with my level today.”

Norrie lost his serve in the first set but found energy from the Court One crowd in the second. Tiafoe failed to convert three break points at 4-4, allowing the 2022 semi-finalist Norrie to break and level the match. Norrie`s forehand became a major weapon in the third set, leading to a break. Although Tiafoe broke back, Norrie broke again and successfully served for the set.

After a lengthy break, Tiafoe returned for the fourth set. The momentum shifted back and forth, but Norrie held his nerve during key moments and capitalized on his opponent`s errors to secure a significant win and a likely third-round clash with Jiri Lehecka.

Sonay Kartal continued her impressive run on her favored Court Three, advancing easily to the third round.

The 23-year-old, who reached the last 32 last year, secured her best Grand Slam victory on Monday by defeating 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko. She then faced Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova as a strong favorite and performed well, winning 6-2, 6-2. This performance reflects the form that has propelled her into the top 50 this season.

“She`s an incredible competitor,” said Kartal, aiming to reach the fourth round of a Slam for the first time. “I knew I was going to have to go out and win that match. I felt good, I felt like I was seeing it, hitting it very clean, so I think I just had one of those days where it was a very good day at the office.”

“This tournament I really wanted to show I`m at this level now, I can consistently play. After the match against Jelena I had so much confidence and I feel like with each match out here and on the grass I`m growing in confidence.”

Katie Boulter`s struggles at Grand Slams continued as she lost a one-set lead to rookie Argentinian Solana Sierra.

The British number 2 started the tournament strongly, upsetting ninth seed Paula Badosa in three sets. However, she made another early exit at a major tournament, losing 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 6-1 to the 21-year-old Sierra. Sierra became the first Argentinian woman to reach the third round of Wimbledon since Gisela Dulko in 2009.

British wild card Billy Harris couldn`t follow up his first Grand Slam win, losing in straight sets to world No 37 Nuno Borges.

Harris had defeated veteran Dusan Lajovic in the first round but found Portugal`s Borges too strong. The 30-year-old from Nottingham had two set points in the third-set tie-break but couldn`t convert them, losing 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) on Court Two.