Emma Raducanu sent a clear message to the Wimbledon crowd and the rest of the tennis world on Friday: she’s back. The 2021 US Open champion, currently ranked 135th due to injury struggles, delivered a dominant performance against ninth-seeded Maria Sakkari, securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory in the third round.
The match was a testament to Raducanu’s fighting spirit and the flashes of brilliance that made her a global sensation two years ago. She displayed a steely resolve, calmly handling Sakkari’s powerful shots and consistently finding ways to break down the Greek player’s defense. One particular highlight was a nonchalant lob that landed just inside the baseline, earning Raducanu a break point and igniting the Centre Court crowd.
Raducanu’s victory was a statement. Despite a significant drop in ranking, she proved that her talent and potential remain intact. This performance will undoubtedly boost her confidence and could be a turning point in her season. Her next opponent will be Lulu Sun, a qualifier from New Zealand, as she fights for a place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
