Emma Raducanu: Brit tumbles out of Wimbledon at hands of qualifier Lulu Sun | Tennis News

Emma Raducanu: Brit tumbles out of Wimbledon at hands of qualifier Lulu Sun | Tennis News


Wild card Emma Raducanu was shocked by qualifier Lulu Sun as her encouraging Wimbledon run came to a disappointing end in the fourth round on a gloomy Sunday.

The 21-year-old had inspired hopes of more US Open-style heroics by coming through her opening three matches without dropping a set.

But she looked nervous against powerful New Zealander Sun, the first qualifier to make the women’s singles quarter-finals here in 14 years, and, despite battling to force a deciding set, slumped to a 6-2 5-7 6-2 defeat.

History for Sun at Wimbledon

Lulu Sun is the second-lowest ranked (123) player in the last 15 editions of the tournament to make the women’s singles quarter-finals at the Championships – ranked higher only than Serena Williams in 2018 (181).

“It was a great match against her. She really dug deep in there to try and get the win from me,” said an emotional Sun.

“I had to fight tooth and nail against her… she was obviously going to run for every ball and fight until the end.

“I was looking around [Centre Court] and just taking it all in for the first time.

“I’m super happy to be able to play on this court in front of all of you. It was an amazing experience for me.”

Left-hander Sun, who had never won a Grand Slam main-draw match before this week and is now on a seven-match winning streak, racked up 52 winners compared with just 19 from Raducanu and will now face Donna Vekic for a place in the semi-finals.

It has not been a comfortable 24 hours for Raducanu, with the positive vibes from her three impressive wins given a hammering by her decision to deny Andy Murray a Wimbledon swansong by pulling out of their mixed doubles opener citing a stiff wrist.

She found herself the subject of unwanted headlines, with the social media contribution of Judy Murray – albeit subsequently claimed not to be a criticism of Raducanu – adding fuel to the fire.

The strapping on her right wrist that had been present in practice on Saturday was nowhere to be seen, and Raducanu looked happy and relaxed hitting with fellow British player Liam Broady ahead of the match.

But, from the start of the contest on Centre Court, the former US Open champion, who knows all too well what qualifiers can achieve, seemed anything but comfortable.

Her serve, which has been a key strength all tournament, was off and her groundstrokes lacked their usual fizz.

Sun, on the other hand, looked like playing on Centre Court was something she had been doing all her life, the 23-year-old crunching the ball and breaking the Raducanu serve – which the Briton had not dropped since the first round – twice to go 3-0 up.

Raducanu retrieved one of the breaks but her comeback was short-lived as Sun, who defeated eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in round one, powered her way to another break and then the set.

The Brit was under pressure again at the start of the second but this time managed to hold on to her serve, with Sun, ranked 123, putting a simple forehand volley long on break point at 1-1.

Raducanu then had two break points in the next game but was unable to change the momentum, missing two backhand returns off second serves.

She hung on again in the seventh game but at least produced some of her best tennis to save two more break points.

Raducanu’s efforts in keeping her nose in front on serve were rewarded at 5-6 when Sun tightened up a little, missing an overhead and then going long on the second set point.

However, the mood changed in the opening game of the third set when Raducanu slipped while hitting a forehand, sitting on the ground shaking her head before calling the trainer, who worked on her left hip, leg and back, which she had been periodically holding during the second set.

Raducanu underwent surgery on her left ankle last year, as well as both wrists, after slipping at a tournament in Auckland.

She restarted in confident fashion with an ace but looked a little uncertain in her movement and dropped serve. The crowd tried to inspire Raducanu into another fightback but a double fault cost her a second break at 2-4 and Sun clinched a deserved victory after two hours and 50 minutes.

Sun vs Raducanu: Tale of the Tape

Sun Match Stats Raducanu
4 Aces 4
4 Double Faults 2
69% 1st serve win percentage 54%
54% 2nd serve win percentage 53%
23/28 Net points won 3/7
5/13 Break points won 2/7
52 Total winners 19
44 Unforced errors 21
111 Total points won 95

Jonathan Overend says it was a good call by Emma Raducanu to pull out of the mixed doubles event with Andy Murray

Paolini reaches Wimbledon quarters after tearful Keys retires injured

Image:
Madison Keys was forced to retire injured against French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini

French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini reached the quarter-finals for the first time after a totally distraught Madison Keys was forced to call it quits at 5-5 in the third set with a suspected groin injury.

Playing under a closed Court One roof on yet another soggy day at the All England Club, Keys appeared to have one foot in the last eight when she went to serve for the match at 5-2 up the deciding set but clutched her left groin immediately after getting broken.

The American 12th seed called for the trainer one game later and limped off court for a medical time out before re-emerging with her left thigh heavily strapped.

Upon resumption, she started sobbing after netting a drop shot to fall 15-40 behind. Although the 29-year-old saved the first break point with a backhand winner, she was again in tears after surrendering her serve with a double fault.

Clearly struggling to even walk between points, Keys somehow conjured a lob to win the first point off Paolini’s next service game. But when she saw the next point whizz past her for an ace, she shook her head and signalled it was all over as she walked to the net to give her Italian opponent a tearful hug.

The Italian seventh seed had produced a stirring comeback from 5-1 down in the second set to force a tiebreak and the final score ended up being 6-3 6-7 (8-6) 5-5 in Paolini’s favour when a heartbroken Keys had to call it a day.

“I’m so sorry for her. To end the match like this it’s sad. We played a really good match. it was really tough, lots of up and downs. I feel a bit happy but also sad for her because it’s not easy to win like that,” Paolini, who had not won a Tour-level main draw match on grass before this year, told the crowd in a courtside interview.

“It was a rollercoaster. I started really well and was really focused on court but she’s a great champion and she raised her level so it was tough to return balls. I was repeating to myself stay in there. At the end I know she retired, but I’m here with the win.

“I hope you enjoyed the match,” added the 28-year-old after becoming the fifth Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in the professional era, equalling the country’s best result at the grasscourt major.

Paolini will next face either US Open champion Coco Gauff or American 19th seed Emma Navarro.

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Wimbledon: Judy Murray clarifies Emma Raducanu post and points finger at schedule | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Judy Murray clarifies Emma Raducanu post and points finger at schedule | Tennis News


Judy Murray has clarified her perceived criticism of Emma Raducanu for pulling out of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.

Raducanu had been due to play with Andy Murray on Saturday evening but withdrew a few hours before, citing soreness in her right wrist, thus bringing the Scot’s Wimbledon career to a premature and unfortunate end.

Murray was understood to be devastated by the situation, and his mother Judy gave a quick reaction on the social media site X, replying to a message branding the decision ‘astonishing’ with a two-word reply: “Yes, astonishing.”

That was taken as criticism of 21-year-old Raducanu, who is due to play her fourth-round singles match on Sunday afternoon on Centre Court.

But on Sunday morning Murray put out another message, instead pointing the finger at the scheduling, saying: “Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days. Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making.”

Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski, meanwhile, immediately backed Raducanu’s decision, writing on X: “More than understandable @EmmaRaducanu has pulled out of the mixed doubles. No need to take a risk with the wrist.”

Murray and Raducanu would not have begun their match against Zhang Shuai and Marcelo Arevalo until around 8pm, which could have meant not finishing their media obligations and other post-match duties until after midnight.

Wimbledon had little choice, though, with Arevalo needing to finish off a men’s doubles match earlier in the day and with the bad weather having delayed the singles competitions, which take priority over doubles in the scheduling.

The situation is hugely unfortunate given the momentum Raducanu, who finally appears to have settled into life on tour, has built up on court over the last few weeks.

Her main priority will be ensuring her wrist, which she had surgery on last year, does not become a major problem again and that this saga does not derail her singles run. She practised as scheduled on Saturday but with tape around the joint.

In hindsight, she will probably reflect that she should have turned down Murray’s invitation, however much she wanted to accept it, to avoid this possible outcome.

Last Briton standing

Image:
Lulu Sun won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round

Raducanu will record her best Wimbledon result if she wins her fourth-round match on Sunday.

Comparisons have been made to her run to the US Open title in 2021 after she beat ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday.

But this time she will be the one coming up against a qualifier as she takes on New Zealand’s world No 123 Lulu Sun, who won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round.

Raducanu will start as favourite but her wrist could be a concern, while she can expect to face questions about her decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles.

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Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career over as Emma Raducanu withdraws from mixed doubles | Tennis News

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career over as Emma Raducanu withdraws from mixed doubles | Tennis News


Andy Murray has played his final match at Wimbledon after Emma Raducanu pulled out of the mixed doubles.

Raducanu was due to team up with Murray, in what is set to be the latter’s final year at Wimbledon before retiring, but has now withdrawn due to stiffness in her right wrist.

Murray, who was knocked out of the men’s doubles with brother Jamie earlier this week, is not permitted to name a replacement in the mixed doubles, as per tournament rules.

The Scot, 37, and Raducanu, 21, were scheduled to play Zhang Shuai and Marcelo Arevalo in the fourth match on Court One on Saturday.

Image:
Raducanu has pulled out of the mixed doubles due to a right wrist issue

Raducanu reached the fourth round in the women’s singles following a straight-sets win over ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday and will next face Lulu Sun in the last 16 on Sunday.

A statement from Raducanu read: “Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles.

“I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.”

Murray, who won the Wimbledon men’s singles in 2013 and 2016, is set to play in singles at the Olympic Games in Paris in July as well as in the men’s doubles with Dan Evans.

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Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu defeats Maria Sakkari to ease into the fourth round | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu defeats Maria Sakkari to ease into the fourth round | Tennis News


A clinical Emma Raducanu conjured memories of her stunning US Open win by defeating ninth seed Maria Sakkari to ease into the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Raducanu had thumped Sakkari in the semi-finals in New York, and she again lost only five games under the roof on Centre Court, reminding the tennis world of her rare talent in a 6-2 6-3 victory.

Having not beaten a top-10 player in her career, the 21-year-old has now done it twice in a fortnight, as well as matching her best run at the All England Club from her breakthrough event three years ago.

“I think today was really up there with the most fun I’ve had on the tennis court. I really enjoyed every single moment,” said Raducanu.

“I told myself: ‘How many times in your life are you going to get to play in front of a full Centre Court?’

“I think I’m most proud of how I was so focused and determined on every single point and every single moment.

“I knew, playing Maria – she’s a top-10 opponent – I had to battle and fight hard. She’s so tough and has amazing weapons. I kind of saw it as a free swing.

“You just have to play every point like it could be your last.”

The British wild card will next face qualifier Lulu Sun, ranked 123 in the world, for a place in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Image:
Raducanu conjured memories of her stunning US Open win on Centre Court


She played down the parallels between this fortnight and New York after swatting aside Elise Mertens in the last round, but there certainly are some, not least the fact she arrived here feeling confident and with plenty of wins under her belt.

Over the last month she has reached her first grass-court semi-final in Nottingham and then beat a top-10 player for the first time, seeing off Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne.

Sakkari pointed out in a rather prickly fashion ahead of the contest that it is she rather than Raducanu who has been among the best players in the world for the last three years.

But she has also struggled at the Grand Slams since making the last four in New York and came into Wimbledon having won just one match in her last five major tournaments.

An error-strewn first game from the Greek, who has never been beyond the third round here, gave Raducanu an immediate break of serve, while the big difference between the two was their handling of the big points.

Raducanu was exceptional, saving five break points across three games in the first set, one with an ace and another a searing forehand down the line.

She had Sakkari at 0-40 in the fifth game without managing to break but found the cushion she was looking for when an Andy Murray-esque lob landed on the baseline to give her a 5-2 lead.

Sakkari had two more chances in the next game but again Raducanu was rock solid, and there was an air of real excitement around Centre Court when she secured another break to lead 2-1 in the second set.

Errors were flowing again from the racket of a frustrated Sakkari, who vented in exasperation at her support box as Raducanu survived another close game, saving two more break points, one with a second-serve ace.

Sakkari saved two match points serving at 3-5 but sent a forehand wide on the third to leave Raducanu grinning in delight.

One of these players will reach the Wimbledon semi-finals

Emma Raducanu

Lulu Sun

Paula Badosa

Donna Vekic

Raducanu on her form: ‘It’s all about winning the day’

“Well I think just having your inner passion. Win or lose, every day I’m just trying to win the day,” she said.

“Different days mean different things. Getting out on the court can sometimes be winning the day.

“Sometimes you win the day and you play amazing tennis. It’s give and take.”

Tale of the Tape

Raducanu vs Sakkari: Tale of the Tape

Raducanu Match Stats Sakkari
3 Aces 2
3 Double Faults 6
71% 1st serve win percentage 69%
50% 2nd serve win percentage 27%
3/3 Net points won 4/8
1/4 Break points won 9/10
15 Total winners 20
13 Unforced errors 31
69 Total points won 52

Kartal’s Wimbledon run comes to an end

Coco Gauff with Sonay Kartal following her victory on day five of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Friday July 5, 2024.
Image:
Sonay Kartal’s impressive Wimbledon campaign ended in the third round after a straight-sets loss to US Open champion Coco Gauff (left)

Sonay Kartal’s impressive Wimbledon campaign ended in the third round after a straight-sets loss to US Open champion Coco Gauff.

World No 298 Kartal only won three games at the All England Club last year but managed more than that against Gauff and even broke the American in the first set on Court One.

Kartal held her own in several long rallies before Gauff eventually proved too strong with a 6-4 6-0 victory, but the British No 9 could be proud of her week’s work in SW19, which has pocketed her £143,000 in prize money and memories to last a lifetime.

No obvious nerves appeared on show from the 22-year-old though, who had admirably tried to keep up with Gauff’s powerful-hitting and duly did when the American sent her backhand long after a 15-shot rally to get Kartal on the scoreboard.

Big cheers greeted the hold and a 104mph ace helped secure another before the home favourite fashioned two break points in the seventh game.

Gauff sent down a double-fault to get the first set back on serve, but consecutive backhand winners by the world No 2, the first after a successful challenge, was enough to earn her a break back.

The 39-minute opener was closed out with an ace and a wild forehand by Kartal gifted Gauff a break at the start of the second set.

It was largely one-way traffic after but Kartal delighted the crowd by saving three break points in the fifth game of the second set.

Second seed Gauff did eventually seal the break and an ace ended Kartal’s fine run before she exited Court One to rapturous applause.

“I think today was a really good test for me. I’ve never come out with someone like Coco before,” Kartal said.

“My first set today, that set and the whole week has given me confidence to prove that my level is up there.

“It’s important for me now to play the bigger tournaments, play the bigger WTA tournaments, mix in with that level.”

Elsewhere in the women’s singles on Friday, Italian Jasmine Paolini beat Bianca Andreescu 7-6 (7-4) 6-1, Spain’s Paula Badosa knocked out 14th seed Daria Kasatkina 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 6-4 and American Madison Keys beat Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-4 6-3.

Raducanu’s next opponent Sun beat China’s Zhu Lin 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (8-6), American Emma Navarro beat Diana Shnaider 2-6 6-3 6-4, and Croatia’s Donna Vekic beat Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 6-1.

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Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu says she thrives on big occasions like Centre Court | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu says she thrives on big occasions like Centre Court | Tennis News


Emma Raducanu said “pressure is a privilege” after her third-round Wimbledon victory on Friday, adding she “thrives on the big occasion”.

A clinical Raducanu conjured memories of her stunning US Open title win by defeating ninth seed Maria Sakkari to ease into the fourth round at her home Grand Slam.

Raducanu had thumped Greece’s Sakkari in the semi-finals in New York, and she again lost only five games under the roof on Centre Court, reminding the tennis world of her talent in a 6-2 6-3 victory.

Having not beaten a top-10 player in her career, the 21-year-old has now done it twice in a fortnight, as well as matching her best run at the All England Club from her breakthrough event three years ago.

“I love playing on the big courts. For me, I thrive on such occasions, on big stages,” Raducanu said.

“It’s something I play tennis for. I just love the feeling of it, competing, especially here in front of a home crowd. It is really amazing.

“I think on the pressure side, you can flip it. I have a packed Centre Court who are all rooting for me to win. It really felt like that today. It really felt like that in my last two matches.

“For me, I just feel happy that that many people are behind me. That’s just in a microcosm of what’s going on in the wider world. Not everyone who supported me is in that stadium, as well.

“I think pressure’s a privilege. I thrive for those situations.”

Image:
Raducanu defeated world No 9 Maria Sakkari at Centre Court on Friday to book her fourth round place

The British wild card will next face New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun, ranked No 123 in the world, on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old was clear she is not looking too far ahead, however.

“I don’t think I ever will until I’m in the situation. I just have to keep going point by point. Today was a really good example of me just taking it moment by moment and fighting,” Raducanu said.

“I think also for me to be winning that match against a top-10 opponent on Centre Court, it’s a beautiful feeling and one that I really want to savour.

“But tennis is pretty brutal in the way you have to enjoy it tonight and then tomorrow you’re already thinking about the next one. It’s just like that. You can win the tournament but you can lose first round the next week. It’s the sport. I’m just trying to cherish every moment I have here.

“I’m very grateful just being healthy. I think I missed the feeling of being on the grounds very much. It was really painful last year coming here and not being able to compete, being on the other side of it. I think that feeling has been pulling me through a lot this week. Just remembering how I felt then, bringing it back to the present.

“I’ve just been having so much fun that I really just want to stay. I don’t want to go home. It’s a good, different type of motivation.”

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  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
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Wimbledon: Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu prepare for mixed doubles on Saturday | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu prepare for mixed doubles on Saturday | Tennis News


After the emotional farewell, it’s back to the day job for Andy Murray at Wimbledon as he prepares for a mixed doubles campaign alongside Emma Raducanu on Saturday.

The two-time former singles champion was honoured with a ceremony on Centre Court on Thursday evening to celebrate his career after he and brother Jamie lost in the first round of the men’s doubles.

But the Scot was back on the practice schedule at the All England Club on Friday to prepare for his mixed doubles opener alongside former US Open champion Raducanu.

Super Saturday at Wimbledon

Centre Court from 1.30pm BST

Norrie vs Zverev

Jabeur vs Svitolina

Popyrin vs Djokovic

Court One from 1pm

Shelton vs Shapovalov

Swiatek vs Putintseva

Rybakina vs Wozniacki

Arevalo/Zhang vs Murray/Raducanu

Court Two from 11am

Dart vs Wang

Tim Henman and Andy’s brother Jamie pay tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 as he nears closer to playing his final match at Wimbledon and retirement from the sport

Murray had considered playing singles just over a week after back surgery before deciding on Tuesday morning that it would not be a good idea.

The extent to which he was physically hampered was apparent from the start of Thursday’s match, which the Murrays lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.

He is entered into singles as well as doubles at the Olympics in Paris later this month, which is set to be the final tournament of his career, although whether he plays singles depends on how he continues to recover from the surgery.

“There’s no question that, even with the physical issues around the hip, I was still able to compete at the highest level,” said Murray. “Not as consistently as I would have liked, certainly not having the results I would have wanted.

“I could definitely still win matches here on the grass once I’m recovered from the back injury. But I don’t want to do that now. I know I could do it, but I have no plans to play singles again.

“Because I knew definitively that that was going to be the last time I’m playing here, the last week and everything has been really emotional for me. Every time I was on my own, I find myself getting a bit emotional and thinking about it.

“Obviously I’ll try and enjoy the mixed doubles. It should be fun. Then I’ve got a family holiday planned after this, then the Olympics. That’s it.”

Watch Murray showing his more humorous side on the ATP Tour in his funniest moments

Raducanu said she had no hesitation in accepting Murray’s mixed doubles proposal and will fulfil a childhood dream by playing with him at Wimbledon.

He revealed Raducanu was at the top of his list when he decided to enter the event on Tuesday evening, and he did not have to wait long for the reply.

“Literally like 10 seconds,” said Raducanu. “For me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think some things are bigger than just tennis.

“I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re going to have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things don’t come by.

“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’m going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in a home slam. For me, it was an honour to be asked.”

Dan Khan and Raz Mirza give their thoughts on Andy Murray’s chances, as he pairs up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon

Dart dreaming of reaching fourth round

Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after one of the most emotional victories of her career against long-time rival Katie Boulter.

Dart’s only previous appearance in the third round at a major came here five years ago, when she lost to Ashleigh Barty.

This time she appears to have a better chance up against unseeded Chinese player Wang Xinyu, who defeated fifth seed Jessica Pegula in round two.

Image:
Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time

Dart is ranked 58 places below Wang but did win their only previous match in Australian Open qualifying two years ago.

“She’s a great player,” said Dart. “Hits the ball really flat, low. I’m not surprised she’s doing really well here. She’s been having a phenomenal year.

“She’s been beating some really good players. Jess is an incredible player. She’s also been winning so much on grass. I know that I’m expecting a very tough match. I’m excited for it. It’s another opportunity for me.

“I think for me to be able to make the second week has been a really big goal. I tried not to put too much pressure on it. I wasn’t really expecting too much coming into Wimbledon this year.

“But it means more than anything for me to be sitting here and getting ready to compete in the third round.”

Norrie faces rematch with Zverev

Cameron Norrie celebrates breaking serve in the third set against Jack Draper (not pictured) on day four of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Thursday July 4, 2024.
Image:
Cameron Norrie upset British No 1 Jack Draper to reach the third round but he faces Alexander Zverev next

Both Thursday’s British No 1 versus No 2 battles went the way of the lower-ranked player, with Cameron Norrie finding his best form for months to see off Jack Draper.

Norrie lost top spot in the domestic rankings to Draper a couple of weeks ago after a difficult run but was delighted with his showing against his younger compatriot and now faces a rematch against fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

The pair met in the fourth round of the Australian Open this year, when Norrie pushed Zverev to a deciding tie-break before losing out in five sets.

“My level’s been really good,” said Norrie. “I’ve been losing a lot of close matches recently, so nice to win one of those, especially in a grand slam.

“I’m building. It doesn’t get any easier. I’m going to have to keep raising my level. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s against another top player. He’s in form. He’s serving well. He likes the grass.

“All the skills that I’ve been practising I can use in this match especially. I played him in Australia. I know what to expect. I’ve never beaten him before so I think it’s a really tough, tough draw for me.”

British tennis stars Cameron Norrie and Emma Raducanu revealed what their ideal days away from tennis would look like!

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  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
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  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
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  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
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Emma Raducanu: Will former US Open champion go all the way and win Wimbledon? | Tennis News

Emma Raducanu: Will former US Open champion go all the way and win Wimbledon? | Tennis News


Emma Raducanu is looking at the top of her game and the 21-year-old has realistic hopes of winning Wimbledon following the withdrawal of some big names in her half of the draw.

Raducanu powered her way into the third round of the women’s singles on Wednesday with a comfortable 6-1 6-2 victory against Belgian Elise Mertens.

The British No 3 has struggled for fitness since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021 but looked in fine fettle as she pummelled Mertens into submission from the baseline, shouting and fist-pumping at almost every point won.

The British wild card is now through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time since her title win at Flushing Meadows, raising tentative hopes of a first British women’s singles triumph at Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977.

If she can maintain the form she showed against Mertens, ranked one place outside the seedings at 33, she could yet do some serious damage in this tournament.

Who’s next for Raducanu?

Take a look back at Raducanu’s incredible win at the 2021 US Open

She will play ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday in the third round. Raducanu beat the Greek in the semi-finals en route to her US Open win, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era.

“[The] circumstances are different. Like, in a third round compared to a semi-final,” Raducanu said. “At the time the dynamics were also different. I was an unknown player pretty much.

“I’m expecting a really tough match. She’s top 10. It’s going to be a really difficult one.

“Again, it’s going to be one where I’m the complete underdog and I can just enjoy playing in [front of] my home crowd, home Slam, just keep having fun and trying to stay an extra day.”

Sakkari ‘pumped’ for Raducanu challenge

Image:
Maria Sakkari has never played on Centre Court before

Sakkari defeated Netherlands’ Arantxa Rus 7-5 6-3 to set up the clash with Raducanu, which she feels is an “opportunity” for both of them.

“She’s also playing a top-10 player. Let’s not forget that. She’s an unbelievable player. She’s very talented. She’s very promising. Even after winning a Grand Slam, she’s still very young. Obviously, she’s going to be the favourite because she’ll be playing home. If anything, that’s normal,” said the Greek.

“But I’m excited. It’s another challenge. That’s why we play tennis. That’s what we play for. It’s going to be pretty exciting. I’m pumped.”

Sakkari has never played on Centre Court before, but she said: “I don’t feel like it’s something new for me. I’ve been a top-10 player for the last three years or even more, so I’ve played in big courts. It’s not like I’m just coming into this and it’s my first time.”

Raducanu’s projected path to the final

Daria Kasatkina in action against Yuriko Lily Miyazaki (not pictured) on day four of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Thursday July 4, 2024.
Image:
A red-hot Daria Kasatkina could be in line to face Raducanu for a blockbuster meeting

Raducanu could face a very winnable fourth-round date with either New Zealand-Swiss player Lulu Sun or world No 61 Zhu Lin from China.

After that the Brit could take on Daria Kasatkina with the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist underlining her grass-court credentials with a title success at the Rothesay International at Devonshire Park.

She has already demolished fellow Brit Lily Miyazaki 6-0 6-0 and would be a tough opponent.

Coco Gauff celebrates following her match against Anca Todoni (not pictured) on day three of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Wednesday July 3, 2024.
Image:
US Open champion Coco Gauff could be a potential semi-final opponent for Raducanu

Other potential quarter-final opponents are Dayana Yastremska, Donna Vekic and former world No 2 Paolo Badosa.

There are two players who stand out as clear possible semi-final opponents for Raducanu with US Open champion Coco Gauff and French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini in the kind of form to reach the last four.

Who could Raducanu face in the final?

Iga Swiatek in action against Sofia Kenin (not pictured) on day two of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Tuesday July 2, 2024.
Image:
Iga Swiatek is favourite to win her maiden Wimbledon title

There are a number of big names Raducanu could face in the final, scheduled for 2pm on Saturday July 23, including world No 1 Iga Swiatek who will be aiming to win her maiden Wimbledon title.

Former champion Elena Rybakina and two-time finalist Ons Jabeur are also in the frame.

Dan Khan and Raz Mirza give their thoughts on Andy Murray’s chances, as he pairs up with his brother Jamie in the men’s doubles and Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon

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Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

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Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu impresses against Elise Mertens as Sonay Kartal sets up Coco Gauff clash | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu impresses against Elise Mertens as Sonay Kartal sets up Coco Gauff clash | Tennis News


A fired-up Emma Raducanu continued her strong start at Wimbledon as she dominated Elise Mertens in straight sets to reach the third round at the All England Club.

The 2021 US Open champion offered No 1 Court spectators a rounded display of crisp hitting from the baseline, controlled aggression at the net and impressive court coverage to dispatch Mertens 6-1 6-2 in just one hour and 15 minutes.

She will now face either Arantxa Rus or ninth seed Maria Sakkari for a place in the fourth round, the stage at which she was forced to retire during her match on debut against Ajla Tomljanovic back in 2021.

Raducanu returned to grass for the first time in two years this summer following ankle and wrist surgeries, and admitted this week she has fallen back in love with the game of tennis. As much was evident during an inspired performance to nod towards a deep run in front of her home fans.

“It [crowd support] makes me feel unbelievable. I feel so welcome here. Honestly, Court One is my favourite court!” said Raducanu.

“I think I played some really good tennis. I’m really pleased. I’m over the moon to be playing here and just to extend my stay for one more day.

“I’m so grateful for the support. With the roof closed, it was super loud. I’m so grateful for everyone making a lot of noise.

“The most important thing is just concentrating on myself. I did that and took care of business. Sticking in my zone is the most important.

“I think I’m playing really well. I’m happy with the improvements I’ve made. I’m just so happy I’m able to reap some of the rewards here in Wimbledon.”

Image:
It was announced Wednesday that Raducanu will play alongside Andy Murray in the mixed doubles

The Briton set the tone for the match immediately when she broke Mertens at the third time of asking in the second game after leaving her opponent scrambling with a delicate drop shot.

Mertens then failed to convert a break point of her own in reply as Raducanu delivered an unreturnable serve to open up a three-game cushion.

The double break arrived shortly after courtesy of a stunning cross-court winner, Mertens eventually getting on the board two games later, only for Raducanu to wrap things up on serve.

Four break points came and went for Raducanu in the opening game of the second set, the 21-year-old making no mistake minutes later as a glorious passing backhand toppled the Mertens serve to give her early daylight.

Her supremacy continued to show as a gorgeous backhand volley teed up a 30-0 advantage, followed by a backhand winner down the line and an ace to seal the hold to love for 3-1.

Then came an expertly-weighted drop-shot slice for 4-1, by which point the damage had been done as she marched on to close out a composed deciding service game.

Raducanu hit 22 winners to her opponent’s 14, while giving up just 14 unforced errors to Mertens’ 21 and winning 75 per cent of first-serve points in contrast to the Belgian’s 52 per cent.

On Monday she had joked of “winning ugly” in similar fashion to England’s victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024; there was little ugly about this as she reminded the Wimbledon fans of her talents, if they needed a reminder.

Sonay Kartal celebrates following her victory against Sorana Cirstea (not pictured) on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Monday July 1, 2024.
Image:
Sonay Kartal set up a plum tie with Coco Gauff at Wimbledon

Kartal tees up Gauff clash

Sonay Kartal weathered a second-set wobble to storm into the Wimbledon third round for the first time and set up a plum tie with Coco Gauff after she beat Clara Burel 6-3 5-7 6-3.

Kartal had to qualify for this year’s Championships after she had battled with undisclosed health problems for much of the past year, but she put those issues to one side to produce an excellent career-best victory against 29th seed Sorana Cirstea on Monday.

It set up a showdown with world No 45 Burel and Kartal recovered from losing a 3-0 lead in set two to edge the decider and become the first home player through to the last 32 at the All England Club.

The British No 9 was back on Court Three a year after her straight-sets defeat to Madison Keys, when she only won three games.

Rain initially halted her shot at redemption with a two-hour delay followed by another intermittent shower after seven minutes of action.

Kartal had to save break points in each of her first two service games once play resumed and they proved crucial as the 22-year-old seized upon a string of double faults by Burel to break and move 4-2 up.

Burel arrived in London after four consecutive first-round exits and struggled to outlast Kartal in several lengthy rallies before the world No 298 clinched the opener with a trademark forehand winner.

Kartal makes history

Sonay Kartal is the first British player to make the women’s singles third round in Wimbledon as a qualifier since Karen Cross in 1997.

Kartal, who was Raducanu’s big rival as a junior, claimed another break at the start of the next set before a second followed with Burel seeming out of sorts.

The biggest threat to the Briton appeared the weather with more drizzle in the air, but as the sun pierced through the clouds, Burel started to swing freely and land her shots.

A break back was secured before a sumptuous volley from the French player got the score back to 4-4 and, while Kartal showed heart to save four set points, a decider was required.

The third set stayed on serve until a decisive fifth game, which went the way of the Brighton right-hander after another booming forehand clipped the net cord and landed on Burel’s side.

Kartal would not be denied this time and pencilled in a clash with US Open champion Gauff with a deft volley at the net to earn a standing ovation as the first female British qualifier to make round three since 1997.

“Today is a really special day for me,” Kartal said. “Monday was a high but I’ve topped that today.”

Gauff had earlier breezed through with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Anca Todoni on No 1 Court.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
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Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon | Tennis News

Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon | Tennis News



British duo Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu will play mixed doubles together at Wimbledon.

The Scot’s representatives confirmed the pair have been granted a wild card, with Murray looking to maximise his opportunities on his final appearance at the All England Club.

Murray famously played mixed doubles with Serena Williams in 2019, with the pair making it to the third round.

More to follow…

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

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In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

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Wimbledon 2024: Order of Play with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu in action | Tennis News

Wimbledon 2024: Order of Play with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu in action | Tennis News



Take a look at the Order of Play for Day Two of the Wimbledon Championships on all courts at the All England Club.

(All times are BST, from 11am unless stated. Seeds in brackets, Brits in Bold)

Centre Court – 1.30pm

  • Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (Spa) vs (6) Marketa Vondrousova (Cze)
  • Vit Kopriva (Cze) v (2) Novak Djokovic (Ser)
  • Andy Murray (Gbr) v Tomas Machac (Cze)

Court 1 – 1pm

  • (4) Elena Rybakina (Kaz) v Elena Gabriela Ruse (Rom)
  • Roberto Carballes Baena (Spa) v (4) Alexander Zverev (Ger)
  • (1) Iga Swiatek (Pol) v Sofia Kenin (USA)

Court 2 – 11am

  • Ashlyn Krueger (USA) v (5) Jessica Pegula (USA)
  • (6) Andrey Rublev (Rus) v Francisco Comesana (Arg)
  • (28) Jack Draper (Gbr) v Elias Ymer (Swe),
  • (10) Ons Jabeur (Tun) v Moyuka Uchijima (Jpn)

Court 3 – 11am

  • (7) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol) v Radu Albot (Mol)
  • (32) Katie Boulter (Gbr) v Tatjana Maria (Ger)
  • Cameron Norrie (Gbr) v Facundo Diaz Acosta (Arg)
    (11) Danielle Collins (USA) v Clara Tauson (Den)

Court 4 – 11am

  • (30) Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Arg) v Luca Nardi (Ita)
  • Rebeka Masarova (Spa) v (15) Ludmilla Samsonova (Rus)
  • Roman Safiullin (Rus) v (26) Francisco Cerundolo (Arg)
  • Maria Lourdes Carle (Arg) v Katie Volynets (USA)

Court 5 – 11am

  • Cristina Bucsa (Spa) v Ana Bogdan (Rom)
  • Anhelina Kalinina (Ukr) v Elina Avanesyan (Rus)
  • Emil Ruusuvuori (Fin) v MacKenzie McDonald (USA)
  • Quentin Halys (Fra) v Christopher Eubanks (USA)

Court 6 – 11am

  • Yoshihito Nishioka (Jpn) v Nuno Borges (Por)
  • Bernarda Pera (USA) v Anastasia Potapova (Rus)
  • Kei Nishikori (Jpn) v Arthur Rinderknech (Fra)

Court 7 – 11am

  • Constant Lestienne (Fra) v (25) Lorenzo Musetti (Ita),
  • Arthur Fils (Fra) v Dominic Stricker (Swi),
  • Oceane Dodin (Fra) v Daria Snigur (Ukr)

Court 8 – 11am

  • Laura Siegemund (Ger) v Kateryna Baindl (Ukr)
  • Jacob Fearnley (Gbr) v Alejandro Moro Canas (Spa)
  • Mayar Sherif (Egy) v Dalma Galfi (Hun)
  • Viktorija Golubic (Swi) v Jule Niemeier (Ger)

Court 9 – 11am

  • Alexei Popyrin (Aus) v Thiago Monteiro (Bra)
  • Marie Bouzkova (Cze) v Julia Riera (Arg)
  • Flavio Cobolli (Ita) v Rinky Hijikata (Aus), Maria Camila
  • Osorio Serrano (Col) v Lauren Davis (USA)

Court 11 – 11am

  • Xin Yu Wang (Chn) v Viktoriya Tomova (Bul)
  • Federico Coria (Arg) v Adam Walton (Aus)
  • Robin Montgomery (USA) v Olivia Gadecki (Aus)
  • Lucas Pouille (Fra) v Laslo Djere (Ser)

Court 12 – 11am

  • James Duckworth (Aus) v (9) Alex De Minaur (Aus)
  • Ajla Tomljanovic (Aus) v (13) Jelena Ostapenko (Lat)
  • Yulia Putintseva (Kaz) v Angelique Kerber (Ger)
  • Daniel Evans (Gbr) v (24) Alejandro Tabilo (Chi)

Court 14 – 11am

  • Paul Jubb (Gbr) v Thiago Seyboth Wild (Bra)
  • (23) Caroline Garcia (Fra) v Anna Blinkova (Rus)
  • Aslan Karatsev (Rus) v (21) Karen Khachanov (Rus)
  • Magdalena Frech (Pol) v (20) Beatriz Haddad Maia (Bra)

Court 15 – 11am

  • Jaume Munar (Spa) v Billy Harris (Gbr)
  • (17) Anna Kalinskaya (Rus) v Panna Udvardy (Hun)
  • Henry Searle (Gbr) v Marcos Giron (USA)
  • Francesca Jones (Gbr) v Petra Martic (Cro)

Court 16 – 11am

  • (20) Sebastian Korda (USA) v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Fra)
  • (15) Holger Rune (Den) v Soon Woo Kwon (Kor)
  • Caroline Wozniacki (Den) v Alycia Parks (USA)
  • (31) Barbora Krejcikova (Cze) v Veronika Kudermetova (Rus)

Court 17 – 11am

  • Luciano Darderi (Ita) v Jan Choinski (Gbr)
  • Lucia Bronzetti (Ita) v (30) Leylah Fernandez (Can)
  • Marina Stakusic (Can) v (27) Katerina Siniakova (Cze)
  • (17) Felix Auger-Aliassime (Can) v Thanasi Kokkinakis (Aus)

Court 18 – 11am

  • Harriet Dart (Gbr) v Zhuoxuan Bai (Chi)
  • Taro Daniel (Jpn) v (11) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
  • (13) Taylor Fritz (USA) v Christopher O’Connell (Aus)
  • Magda Linette (Pol) v (21) Elina Svitolina (Ukr)