Raducanu back on track: Outsmarts Sakkari for second top-10 victory, reaches Wimbledon fourth round
WTA
Emma Raducanu (No. 135) convincingly defeated 9th seed Maria
Sakkari 6-2, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon for the second time in
her career. The Brit returns to the second week of a Grand Slam and secured her
return to the top 100, climbing over 50 positions to No. 92.
Things are starting to turn around for Raducanu, who has
improved her results in recent months and shown a level of elite play that
seemed lost since her title at Flushing Meadows. This is her second win over a
top-10 player in her career (the previous one was against Jessica Pegula a week
ago).
Raducanu shines at Wimbledon
Sakkari had bitter memories of her last encounter with
Raducanu, in the semifinals of the 2021 US Open. The Greek was the heavy
favorite as the 17th seed against a qualifier and was aiming for her first
Grand Slam final, where unseeded Leylah Fernandez awaited. However, Raducanu
dominated her 6-1, 6-4, and two days later, won the title in an epic run that
catapulted her to the forefront of the sports world.
This time, the circumstances were different for both
players. Sakkari, now with more experience, has been established in the top 20
for over three years, most of that time as a top-10 player. Meanwhile, Raducanu
is fighting to regain her position in the tennis elite after inconsistent
results in recent years and a long injury layoff.
The 21-year-old Brit started strongly with an early break
and then saved a couple of break points to go up 2-0. Raducanu had an
impressive 77% first-serve percentage throughout the set, compared to Sakkari's
54%, which allowed the Brit to hold her service games more easily than her
opponent.
Emma Raducanu at 2024 Wimbledon.
Both players faced pressure moments with break points
against them throughout the set, but the effectiveness was on the side of the
young star, who took the second break in the 7th game. Raducanu saved another
couple of break points before closing the set with her serve at 6-2, partly due
to her opponent's 17 unforced errors.
At the start of the second set, the difference in crucial
points was again evident. Raducanu took advantage of her only break opportunity
in the third game to go ahead, and then Sakkari squandered the two chances she
had in the next game. Sakkari continued to struggle with unforced errors, while
Raducanu showed tenacity at the baseline to force her opponent to take more
risks.
Her next opponent will be the surprising Australian Lulu Sun,
a qualifier. The world No. 123 is making her Wimbledon debut, in only her
second Grand Slam main draw, and debuted by defeating 8th seed Zheng Qinwen.
She has now reached the fourth round after beating Lin Zhu (No. 61) and has
secured her entry into the top 100 for the first time in her career.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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