Emma Raducanu has described her stellar second-round victory over Marketa Vondrousova at Wimbledon as one of the best matches she has played in a long time as she set up a highly anticipated meeting with the world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Raducanu produced an excellent performance to reach the third round of Wimbledon with a 6-3, 6-3 win over the 2023 champion Vondrousova, ensuring that she has now reached the third round or better at Wimbledon on three of her four appearances.
“That was one of the best matches I’ve played in a long time, which I’m very proud of,” said Raducanu. “At the same time, I didn’t feel like I was doing anything outrageous, which gives me a lot of confidence. I think I was just doing the basics very, very well. I executed really well today. I’m just so happy to have that level.”
Although Vondrousova has struggled with numerous injuries over the last two years, falling as low as No 164 in the WTA rankings last month, she arrived at Wimbledon as one of the most in- form players after winning the Berlin Open on grass, a run that included a win over Sabalenka. With her superior form, her history at Wimbledon and her victory over Raducanu earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, Vondrousova entered Centre Court the favourite.
“There’s no better feeling than winning here at Wimbledon, winning on Centre Court, it honestly makes everything worth it,” said Raducanu. “You forget about everything, all the ups and downs – and many downs – when you’re out there and you win. It’s so fleeting. It lasts a few minutes after the match and now. Quickly you need to kind of get back in gear for the next day and the next round. For the rest of the evening I’m going to enjoy that one because I think it was really special.”
Raducanu’s victory ensures that she will return to Centre Court for one of the toughest challenges in her sport as she faces Sabalenka, the No 1 seed and a three-time grand slam champion.
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“I know it’s going to be a massive challenge,” said Raducanu. “I’m going to have to play some really good tennis. For the rest of the evening I just want to savour that one and enjoy it.”
