Emma Raducanu will rematch Maria Sakkari in one of two big matches in particular on Centre Court on Friday at 2024 Wimbledon with Carlos Alcaraz v Frances Tiafoe also taking centre stage.
But Raducanu also has history with Sakkari in a similar vein to Carlos Alcaraz doing so with Tiafoe. En route to winning the US Open, she defeated Sakkari 6-1, 6-4 in a tournament where she was an unheralded qualifier. The breakout for the Brit who became a worldwide phenomenon afterwards. For many it was seen as Sakkari's golden opportunity to become a Grand Slam champion as the leading player in that side of the draw that year.
Asked to recount her memories of the tie, Raducanu said that the circumstances are now different. She also maintains an underdog aura which she has tried to keep throughout. Amid the mist of media interest and expectation, Raducanu said that she will just enjoy herself as she has done throughout as in her words 'the complete underdog'.
“It was in the semis of the US Open.. the circumstances are different in a third round compared to a semifinal. At the time the dynamics were also different. I was an unknown player pretty much. I’m expecting a really tough match," said Raducanu after defeating Mertens.
"She’s a top player.. it’s gonna be a really difficult one. But again, one where I’m the complete underdog and I can just enjoy playing in my home crowd.. my home Slam.. just keep having fun and trying to stay an extra day.”
This after Sakkari also fired a warning ahead of their clash that she is the top 10 player in the pairing. “I think the opportunity is for both. She's also playing a top-10 player. Let's not forget that. She's an unbelievable player. She's very talented. She's very promising. Even after winning a Grand Slam, she's still very young."
But also a tie that she is buzzing to play. "Obviously, she's going to be the favourite because she'll be playing home. If anything, that's normal. But I'm excited. It's another challenge. That's why we play tennis. That's what we play for. It's going to be pretty exciting. I'm pumped.”
Emma Raducanu on facing Maria Sakkari next at Wimbledon “You play Maria Sakkari next. The last time you played her it was a pretty big occasion. What are your memories of that?” Emma: “It was in the semis of the US Open.. the circumstances are different in a third round…
