"You want to play the best": Emma Raducanu ready for 'massive' Aryna Sabalenka challenge at Wimbledon

Britain’s Emma Raducanu has stated that she is ready for the challenge of facing world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of Wimbledon. The 22-year-old cemented her spot in the round of 32 of the third Grand Slam of the year after beating the 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3.

In her next match, Raducanu will face top-seed Sabalenka, who secured her spot after beating the Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-4. This will be the second meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the only previous meeting, which took place during the round of 32 of the Indian Wells tournament last year, Sabalenka came out on top in straight sets.

Raducanu spoke to the media after the match, expressing delight at beating the former Wimbledon champions with a comprehensive display of tennis and believing that such a performance will give her a significant boost in the next round. Raducanu also went on to state that she is ready to face the ‘massive challenge’ of Sabalenka, stating that beating top seeds is the goal of every tennis player in major events.

“I think having won today against Marketa, she’s also a really top opponent, so that gives me confidence too for my level,” said Raducanu. “Of course, Aryna is No. 1 in the world, and has 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. You want to play the best,” she said. “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.

Sabalenka also spoke to the media after her win over Bouzkova and stated that it is never easy to face a British player during Wimbledon. “Emma is playing much better tennis since last year, I have to say,” said Sabalenka. “She improved. You can see that she’s getting back on track. Also facing a British player at Wimbledon, I’m not sure I prefer that.”