"Circumstances are different" says Emma Raducanu in US Open dream run rematch with Maria Sakkari at Wimbledon
WTA
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.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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