LONDON: Aryna Sabalenka survived a tricky two-hour showdown against Emma Raducanu on Centre Court to move into the fourth round of Wimbledon.
The three-time Grand Slam champion valiantly battled her way to a 7-6(6), 6-4, victory against a resurging Raducanu, who at times played at a level above her current ranking. In what was a roller-coaster encounter, 23 break point opportunities occurred, with Sabalenka seizing four out of her 15 opportunities. She also fired 31 winners, which was nine more than her rival.
In the end, it was fine margins which separated the two in both sets. Raducanu had her chances, leading 6-5 with a break in the opener and then having a 4-1 stronghold in the second frame. Still, it wasn’t enough to deny Sabalenka.
“She played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka said during her on-court interview. “I fought for every point like crazy.
“I’m happy to see her healthy and back on track, and I’m pretty sure that soon she’s going to be back in the top ten.”
Hopes were high early on for the home favourite who started sharp and matched Sabalenka’s firepower. Five games in, Raducanu was the first to draw blood after a backhand error from the top seed enabled her to break. Prompting a huge cheer from the crowd. She then worked her way to 4-2 before an error-stricken service game let Sabalenka back in, who eventually drew level at 4-4.
Sabalenka, who is seeking her first Wimbledon title, continued to be tested by Raducanu. Seven set point opportunities came and went for the Belarusian due to some impressive play coming from across the net during a marathon eight-deuce game. This proved to be another turning point in the match with Raducanu then breaking for a second time, but she failed to serve it out, paving the way for a 14-point tiebreaker. In the tiebreak, Sabalenka narrowly came out on top, saving a set point en route with the help of a gutsy drop shot.
The heartbreak of losing a 74-minute opening set failed to deter Raducanu, who held immediately at the start of the second before opening up a 4-1 lead. However, in a case of deja vu, Sabalenka came roaring back like a tiger, her favourite animal, which she has tattooed on her.
Undeservingly for Raducanu, the closing stages were a disappointment. Serving at 4-4, a quartet of unforced errors granted Sabalenka a break to serve for the win. A deep forehand shot from Sabalenka earned her a trio of match points. She converted her third on the two-hour mark with the help of a 111 mph serve.
“What an atmosphere, my ears are still hurting, it was super loud! I was just trying to tell myself they were cheering for you, I was having goosebumps,” she commented.
“I’ve had a lot of experience recently where I’ve completely lost myself, and today I kept telling myself, do not do the same msitake. So I was just trying to stay calm and push myself to the limit.”
Sabalenka is aiming to reach her first Wimbledon final after making it through to the semi-finals on two previous occasions. She will next play Belgium’s Elise Mertens.
