"I’m definitely sure": Aryna Sabalenka makes big prediction about Emma Raducanu after winning Wimbledon third-round contest

Aryna Sabalenka has predicted that Britain’s Emma Raducanu will return to be counted amongst the world’s best in the near future. The two players faced off in an intense third-round clash at Wimbledon, where Sabalenka came out on top in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-4.

In the first set, Raducanu managed to save seven set points and hold her serve in the 12th game, forcing it to be decided in a tiebreak. Sabalenka spoke to the media after the match and praised Raducanu for her performance on the day. Sabalenka stated that while she cannot predict anything, she can see Raducanu returning to the top players in the world in the near future.

“I can’t predict anything,” said Sabalenka. “But I’m definitely sure that, maybe not in the months, but in a bit longer period, she’s definitely going to get back in the top. She’s fighting. She’s playing much better. She’s more consistent. I can see that mentally she’s healthy. That’s really important. I’m pretty sure she’s getting there.”

Talking about her performance on the day, Sabalenka stated that she was happy to come out of a difficult test in front of a hostile crowd. "It definitely gives me a lot of energy and a good feeling that I was under pressure, it was a great match, it was a great battle, and I was able to get the win," she said. "That's why I love sport. It's all about challenging yourself. When you go through tough challenges and you get the win, it's the best feeling. So I'll just enjoy it tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to focus on the next one."

Sabalenka will now face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the fourth round. The 29-year-old defeated Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the third round in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 7-6. It will be the 13th meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the previous 12 meetings, Sabalenka had a clear advantage with 10 wins and just two defeats.