LONDON — Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance to eliminate British hopeful Emma Raducanu from Wimbledon, then made a bold prediction about the former US Open champion’s future. The Belarusian world No. 3 dominated their fourth-round clash, winning 6-4, 6-3, but was full of praise for her opponent afterward.
Sabalenka, who reached the semifinals at SW19 for the second consecutive year, described Raducanu as "a great player with incredible potential" and predicted she would return to the top of the sport. "She’s still young, and I’m sure she’s going to come back stronger," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference.
Sabalenka’s Dominance on Grass
The match showcased Sabalenka’s growing comfort on grass, a surface she once struggled with. Her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play overwhelmed Raducanu, who fought valiantly but couldn’t match the Belarusian’s intensity. Sabalenka fired 32 winners and converted four of her six break points.
Key stats from the match:
- Sabalenka won 78% of first-serve points
- Raducanu managed just one break point, which she failed to convert
- Sabalenka hit 12 aces, her highest tally of the tournament
Raducanu’s Encouraging Wimbledon Run
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance at Wimbledon marked a significant step forward in her comeback from multiple surgeries. The 21-year-old, who stunned the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, had struggled with injuries and form in recent years.
Sabalenka acknowledged Raducanu’s resilience: "She’s been through a lot, but you can see she’s getting better every match. The way she moves, the way she fights—it’s impressive."
A Turning Point for Raducanu?
Tennis analysts noted that Raducanu displayed flashes of her 2021 brilliance during the tournament. Her third-round victory over Maria Sakkari, a rematch of their US Open final, was particularly encouraging. While Sabalenka proved too strong, Raducanu’s improved fitness and tactical adjustments suggest she could be regaining her best form.
Sabalenka’s Title Ambitions
With the win, Sabalenka advanced to face Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals. The 26-year-old is chasing her second Grand Slam title after winning the 2023 Australian Open. "I feel really good on grass now," Sabalenka said. "Every year I understand this surface better."
Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, highlighted her mental growth: "Aryna used to get frustrated on grass, but now she’s patient. She constructs points better and trusts her game."
The Future for Both Players
While Sabalenka remains focused on winning Wimbledon, Raducanu will turn her attention to the North American hardcourt swing. The Brit is expected to play in Washington and Toronto before defending her US Open points in September.
Sabalenka reiterated her belief in Raducanu’s potential: "If she stays healthy, she’ll be back in the top 10 soon. The talent is there—she just needs time."
The match drew a packed crowd on Centre Court, with fans cheering loudly for both players. Despite the loss, Raducanu received a standing ovation as she left the court, a sign of the British public’s enduring support.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, continues her quest for Wimbledon glory. "I love playing here," she said with a smile. "The energy from the crowd, even when they’re against me, is amazing."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Sabalenka can maintain her dominant form. For Raducanu, the focus shifts to building on her encouraging Wimbledon performance as she aims to climb back up the rankings.
The mutual respect between the two players was evident throughout their press conferences. Sabalenka’s prediction for Raducanu’s future adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an exciting second half of the 2024 season for both athletes.