Emma Raducanu embraces ‘massive’ Aryna Sabalenka clash after booking Wimbledon blockbuster

Oli Dickson Jefford 02 Jul 2025 9:20 PM

Pictured: Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka.

Emma Raducanu believes she is ready for the “massive challenge” of facing Aryna Sabalenka after booking a blockbuster contest versus the world No 1 at Wimbledon.

World No 40 Raducanu booked a meeting against Sabalenka thanks to an impressive 6-3, 6-3 win over former SW19 champion Marketa Vondrousova on Wednesday night

The 2021 US Open champion was in sublime form, though now faces perhaps the toughest test in tennis against Sabalenka, who has been a dominant No 1 in recent months.

The Belarusian is a three-time Grand Slam champion, with her most recent triumph coming at the 2024 US Open.

However, she has also finished as the runner-up at both the Australian Open and French Open in 2025, alongside winning three titles already this season.

It has been over three years since Sabalenka failed to make the second week of a Slam, and Raducanu is under no illusions of the test she faces.

“I think having won against Marketa, she’s also a really top opponent, so that gives me confidence too for my level,” said Raducanu.

“Of course, Aryna is No 1 in the world, 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.

“You want to play the best. 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.”

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Sabalenka herself reached the third round of the tournament earlier in the day, dispatching Marie Bouzkova 7-6(4), 6-4 to continue her campaign.

The world No 1 was many people’s pick to lift a first Wimbledon title pre-tournament, and her status as the favourite has only increased in recent days.

She is now the only top-four seed left, with second seed Coco Gauff and third seed Jessica Pegula losing in round one on Tuesday, before fourth seed Jasmine Paolini was beaten in round two on Wednesday.

With fifth seed Zheng Qinwen and ninth seed Paula Badosa among the other big names already out, the Belarusian’s chances of finally lifting the title at SW19 look better than ever.

However, speaking before Raducanu’s match with Vondrousova, the world No 1 admitted the home crowd element in favour of the Brit may not be to her liking.

“Emma is playing much better tennis since last year, I have to say,” commented Sabalenka.

“She improved. You can see that she’s getting back on track. Also facing British [players] at Wimbledon, I’m not sure I prefer that. But she’s playing great tennis.”

The two have met just once before, with Sabalenka defeating Raducanu in Indian Wells last March.

Whoever prevails will then face either 24th seed Elise Mertens or 14th seed Elina Svitolina in the fourth round.