LONDON: In a tournament that has been full of plenty of upsets, Emma Raducanu is plotting her own scalp at Wimbledon when she plays Aryna Sabalenka later this week.
The British world No.40 brushed away former champion and recently crowned Berlin Open winner Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3, in the second round. Raducanu broke her rival four times and hit 18 winners to secure victory. She has now reached the third round or better at Wimbledon in three out of her last four appearances, winning nine out of 12 matches played.
Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, next faces a mouthwatering clash with Aryna Sabalenka, which is practically guaranteed to take place on Center Court. It is a tough task for the Brit, who is 0-5 against top-five players this season. Although Sabalenka’s last loss was to Vondrousova, who Raducanu managed to get past at SW19 with relative ease.
“I think having won today against Marketa, she’s also a really top opponent, so that gives me confidence too for my level,” Raducanu said during her press conference.
“Of course, Aryna is No. 1 in the world, and has been so dominant in the women’s game as of the last few years.
“I know it’s going to be a massive challenge. I’m going to have to play some really good tennis.”
Some might see taking on the world’s highest-ranked player during the first week of a Grand Slam as bad luck. However, Raducanu has a somewhat different perspective.
“You want to play the best,” she said. “You are going to have to play them at some point if you want to win one of these tournaments. Even though it’s early in the tournament, I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Regarding possible tactics for the upcoming match, the 22-year-old believes the key will be a combination of matching her rival’s power with some creative shot-making.
As for Sabalenka, who is seeking her first Wimbledon title, she is not underestimating the task she faces. The Belarusian is the only top-five seed left in the draw after Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro, Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen all lost.
“Emma is playing much better tennis since last year, I have to say,” Sabalenka commented.
“She improved. You can see that she’s getting back on track. Also facing a British player at Wimbledon, I’m not sure I prefer that.”
Raducanu will be bidding to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon for the second year in a row and the third overall in her career.
