Raducanu’s Wimbledon Run Ends in Sabalenka Thriller

Emma Raducanu pushed top seed Aryna Sabalenka to the edge in a gripping third-round clash on Centre Court, ultimately losing 7-6 (8-6), 6-4.

Raducanu Falls to Sabalenka in Two Tight Sets

Emma Raducanu pushed top seed Aryna Sabalenka to the edge in a gripping third-round clash on Centre Court, ultimately losing 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. The 22-year-old Brit showed flashes of brilliance and nearly took the first set, but Sabalenka’s power and poise proved decisive.

A Match of Missed Chances

Raducanu saved seven set points and served for the first set at 6-5 but couldn’t convert.
A close tie-break slipped away, shifting the momentum. In the second set, she raced to a 4-1 lead, only to see Sabalenka claw back with relentless pressure and punishing groundstrokes.

Signs of Progress Despite the Loss

While the defeat stung, Raducanu took positives from her performance.
Facing the world number one, she matched Sabalenka for large stretches, showing she’s closing the gap with the game’s elite according to BBC Sports.
Her composure, improved shot selection, and tactical adjustments stood out.

Sabalenka Acknowledges the Challenge

The Belarusian, chasing her first Wimbledon title, praised Raducanu’s effort.
“She played incredible tennis and pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka said.
“I had to fight for every point.” She now faces Elise Mertens in the fourth round.

Crowd Energy and Controversy Add Drama

The Centre Court crowd roared for Raducanu throughout, creating a raucous atmosphere under the closed roof.
Post-match, Raducanu criticized the new electronic line-calling system, calling some decisions “dodgy,” adding yet another layer to a match full of intensity and emotion.