(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:15
It’s the top seed who advances, where she’ll face 24th seed Elise Mertens, who beat 14th seed Elina Svitolina in straights earlier today.
A word for Raducanu though, who played some more absolutely inspired tennis after that second-round win over 2023 champ Marketa Vondrousova and has had a fabulous tournament. That’s the most Sabalenka has been pushed so far.
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:10
“Honestly guys, she played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka tells BBC Sport’s Annabel Croft. “I fought for every point like crazy. Happy to see her healthy and back on track, and I’m pretty sure that soon she’s going to be back in top ten,” she adds, which gets a big cheer.
“And guys, wow, what an atmosphere, my ears are still hurting, it was super loud! I was just trying to tell myself they were cheering for you, I was having goosebumps, thank you for the atmosphere.
“I’ve had a lot of experience recently where I’ve completely lost myself, and today I kept telling myself, do not do the same msitake. So I was just trying to stay calm and push myself to the limit.”
Asked how she would have commented on that match, she laughs and says, “I’d just say, wow, unbelievable”. Yep, that sums it up.
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:08
Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(6), 6-4 Emma Raducanu
A double fault! 30-40. The volume kicks up a notch.
But Raducanu sends a big serve into the tape, and it’s the top seed who advances after two hours on Centre Court. What an absolute marathon. The pair share a nice handshake and Sabalenka waves to the crowd.
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:04
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(6), 5-4 Emma Raducanu
This is the top seed at her best. She redirects Raducanu around the baseline and has three match points.
She wastes one! Raducanu fires back a brilliant return and Sabalenka fires long. 15-40.
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:02
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(6), 5-4 Emma Raducanu
A fine forehand down the line and she’s 30-0 up.
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 22:01
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(6), 5-4 Emma Raducanu
Can the top seed serve it out? The crowd are shouting Raducanu’s name to get her back into this.
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*Aryna Sabalenka 5-4 Emma Raducanu
But she makes no mistake on her next return, and Raducanu, pushed out wide, hits the tape. That feels like it could be the end.
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 21:59
Aryna Sabalenka 4-4 Emma Raducanu*
Sabalenka goes for touch rather than power on a second serve and slices into the net. She shrugs at herself in annoyance.
Flo Clifford4 July 2025 21:58
Aryna Sabalenka 4-4 Emma Raducanu*
The tension in here is palpable. Raducanu is in control of the point but a high ball lands a touch awkwardly for her and she sends the smash long.
Oh, and the next forehand is wide, too… 0-30. This service game feels pivotal.
She goes for the backhand down the line again but gets tight and it’s into the net. 0-40. Three break points Sabalenka.
