Emma Raducanu backed to give Aryna Sabalenka ‘run for her money’ ahead of Wimbledon clash

Sam Cooper 03 Jul 2025 1:45 PM

Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Raducanu will face off for just the second time.

Emma Raducanu has been told that if she can match the performance of her second-round win, then she will be able to give Aryna Sabalenka a “run for her money.”

Raducanu has produced arguably her best tennis since her US Open win so far at Wimbledon, defeating both fellow Briton Mingge Xu and Markéta Vondroušová 6-3, 6-3 in her opening two matches.

Her progress now however faces its first major hurdle as she meets world No. 1 Sabalenka in the third round.

The pair have played just once before, in the round of 32 at Indian Wells last year, with Sabalenka winning in straight sets, making the Belarusian the favourite for the upcoming match.

Raducanu, who entered unseeded to this summer’s tournament, has though been told that she has a chance provided she matches the performance level she has shown so far in SW19.

“That’s quite a statement that Emma has put out,” former player Annabel Croft told BBC 5 Live. “I don’t think she could be hitting the ball any better, I really don’t. She was absolutely middling it.

“I would think that would be quite worrying for Sabalenka actually because she’ll be facing Raducanu at her best.

“If Raducanu can play anything close to that level again, although she may not be allowed to because Sabalenka will bring a lot of power, she will give the world number one a run for her money.”

After her victory against Vondroušová, Raducanu described it as the best she has played “in a long time.”

“I think that was one of the best matches I’ve played in a long time, which I’m very proud of,” the 22-year-old said.

“At the same time, I didn’t feel like I was doing anything outrageous, which gives me a lot of confidence. I think I was just doing the basics very, very well.

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“But yeah, I think I executed really well today. I’m just so happy to have that level.”

And focusing on the Sabalenka challenge, Raducanu said she was looking forward to the early challenge.

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

“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. For the rest of the evening I just want to savour that one and enjoy it.

“As to it being unlucky [to face Sabalenka so soon], 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.”