Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance on Centre Court, dispatching defending champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3 in just over 80 minutes. The atmosphere was electric, and Raducanu’s confidence was evident from the start. Her composure and focus throughout the match were notable she handled high-pressure points with impressive poise, demonstrating the kind of form that led her to a US Open title.
In her post-match comments, Raducanu acknowledged Vondrousova’s previous Wimbledon success but emphasized her own commitment to playing her game and maintaining her strategy. It’s clear she’s regained a sense of confidence and is allowing herself to play with freedom, a significant improvement over earlier in the season when she admitted to struggling with focus after a loss in Eastbourne.
Looking ahead, Raducanu faces a considerable challenge next up is Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked world number one and known for her dominance on the tour. Raducanu was realistic about the difficulty of the upcoming match but indicated she intends to focus on what she can control and approach the contest with a “no pressure” mindset.
Her progress also contributed to a strong day for British tennis, with Sonay Kartal and Cameron Norrie also advancing. The women’s draw has opened up unexpectedly, with only Sabalenka remaining from the top five seeds, creating further opportunity for Raducanu to make a deep run.
Overall, Raducanu’s performance was a statement she showed consistency, resilience on serve, and a renewed sense of purpose. If she can maintain this level, she could present a real challenge to Sabalenka and keep her Wimbledon campaign very much alive.
Raducanu’s rise this season has honestly been impressive. She kicked off 2024 ranked 303—recovering from surgery on both wrists and an ankle, no less—and now she’s already back in the top 40. That’s some serious determination.
A big part of this turnaround comes down to bringing Mark Petchey on board as coach back in March. Petchey’s got the experience, and together, they’ve honed in on Raducanu’s serve and forehand, putting in the technical work and encouraging a much more aggressive style of play. You could see the results in her latest match; the improvement is tangible.
Vondrousova, for her part, came in with a solid track record—she’d just clinched the Berlin Open, beating five top-50 players (including Sabalenka) and ending a 24-month title drought. But against Raducanu, she was outmatched. That’s a notable turnaround, considering Raducanu had dropped their previous two encounters.
Now, looking ahead to Friday, Raducanu faces a crucial opportunity to showcase just how much progress she’s made. This will be a real benchmark for her current form.