Lulu Sun, the 123rd-ranked qualifier, delivered a shocking upset at Wimbledon, eliminating British hope Emma Raducanu in the fourth round on Sunday. Sun’s victory, a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 triumph, ended Raducanu’s run at her home Grand Slam and sent Sun soaring into the quarterfinals.
The match showcased Sun’s ice-cool composure and unwavering intensity, qualities that proved too much for Raducanu to handle. Sun’s groundstrokes possessed a zip and penetration that Raducanu couldn’t match, leaving the 2021 US Open champion struggling to find her rhythm.
Despite showing glimpses of her best form earlier in the tournament, Raducanu appeared off the pace from the start. Her forehand lacked its usual explosiveness, and she seemed hesitant to unleash her full power. Sun, on the other hand, maintained a relentless intensity throughout the match, rarely allowing Raducanu to gain a foothold.
While Raducanu had hoped to capitalize on the support of the Centre Court crowd, Sun’s dominance and her own struggles left her facing a tough battle. Raducanu conceded that Sun’s performance was superior, saying, “I think today her tennis was better and she deserved the win.”
Sun’s impressive run has turned heads, and her next opponent, Donna Vekic, is well aware of the challenge that awaits. “No one makes the quarterfinals of Wimbledon by accident,” Vekic said. “She’s obviously playing great tennis. It will be a tough match.”
Sun’s victory serves as a reminder that the Wimbledon draw is full of surprises, and that even the most seasoned players can be toppled by unexpected opponents. The New Zealander’s journey to the quarterfinals has cemented her place as a rising force in the world of tennis, and her future prospects look bright.
