‘Really focused’ Emma Raducanu seals big rankings boost with latest Wimbledon win

Oli Dickson Jefford 02 Jul 2025 8:03 PM

Emma Raducanu celebrates at Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu booked a blockbuster Wimbledon clash versus world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka after dispatching Marketa Vondrousova at the All England Club.

Raducanu was handed a tough second-round test against Vondrousova, who lifted the title at the All England Club back in 2023.

The Czech has struggled with injury since then but returned to form with an impressive run at the Berlin Open on grass last month, rising back inside the top 100 after lifting the title at the WTA 500 event.

However, Vondrousova was unable to consistently rival Raducanu out on Centre Court, with the Brit proving the stronger in the battle between two major champions.

The 22-year-old lost serve just once across the whole contest, saving four of five break points against her, and broke her opponent four times – including in the final game of the match to seal a 6-3, 6-3 win.

“I think today, I played really, really well,” said Raducanu in her on-court interview.

“I think there were some points where I have no idea how I turned them around, I think one for sure that I remember in the second set.

“I knew playing Marketa that it was going to be an extremely difficult match – she’s won this tournament. It’s a huge, huge achievement.

“She’s also in form, playing really well, so I’m just so happy with how I competed, how I put my game out on court. I was just really focused the whole way through.”

Raducanu reached the fourth round of Wimbledon twelve months ago, meaning she was under some pressure from a rankings perspective at her home Grand Slam.

The Brit had dropped to world No 46 in the WTA Live Rankings ahead of her clash against Vondrousova, though victory has propelled her back up to world No 43 in the live rankings as things stand.

Wimbledon News

Carlos Alcaraz surpasses Wimbledon legend with immense achievement after second round win

Madison Keys embracing Wimbledon ‘opportunity with US expectations set to rise

However, she certainly faces a tough test next in the form of Sabalenka, the reigning world No 1 and a three-time Grand Slam champion.

Sabalenka and Raducanu have only met once before, with the Belarusian beating Raducanu in Indian Wells last season.

Raducanu added: “Of course, she’s No 1 in the world right now, so dominant on the tour – has won literally everything.

“It’s going to be a really difficult match, but I’m just so happy with how I performed, and all I can do is control my side of the court as best as possible.

“When you play an opponent like her, you know you have to play well, but I guess there’s no pressure on me at all in the next round.”