Emma Raducanu expressed immense pride and joy following her dominant victory over Maria Sakkari in the third round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
This match marked their second meeting since the 2021 US Open semifinal, where Raducanu clinched her first Grand Slam title.
Granted a wildcard entry to Wimbledon, Raducanu initially faced Renata Zarazua in the first round due to Ekaterina Alexandrova’s withdrawal from illness.
She secured a 7-6(0), 6-3 win against Zarazua and followed it up with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens in the second round.
In the third round, Raducanu triumphed over ninth seed Maria Sakkari with a score of 6-2, 6-3, completing the match in just one hour and 32 minutes. This win marked only her second victory against a top 10 player, her first being against Jessica Pegula at the 2024 Eastbourne International.
During her post-match interview, Raducanu described the match as the most enjoyable she had ever played. She relished the experience of competing on Centre Court and appreciated the support from the spectators.
“Yeah, I think today was really up there with the most fun I’ve had on a tennis court. I really enjoyed every single moment and I think I was just telling myself, ‘How many times in your life are you going to get the opportunity to play in front of a full Centre Court?’ So I’m really grateful for the support,” she said.
Raducanu attributed her victory to her focus and determination, acknowledging the challenge of facing a top 10 player like Sakkari.
“At the moment I think I’m most proud of how I was so focused, so determined in every single point in every single moment. I knew playing Maria [Sakkari], she’s a top 10 opponent, I mean in a way I came in with a free swing but she’s so tough, she has amazing weapons and I knew I had to battle and fight hard,” she added.
The former World No. 10 emphasized the importance of staying present and not letting the scoreline affect her performance.
“I tried to just not let the scoreline affect me, having break points, losing them and going up and then equal. You just have to play every point like it honestly it could be your last not to be dramatic,” Raducanu remarked.
Raducanu’s next challenge is against qualifier Lulu Sun in the fourth round. Sun made history by becoming the first New Zealander to reach the second week of Wimbledon in the Open Era.
This upcoming match will be their first encounter on the WTA Tour, with the winner set to face either Paula Badosa or Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals.
