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Raducanu storms into Wimbledon last 16 / Photo: © AFP
Raducanu storms into Wimbledon last 16
Emma Raducanu reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time since her 2021 US Open triumph when she defeated world number nine Maria Sakkari at Wimbledon on Friday.
The 21-year-old British star defeated her Greek opponent 6-2, 6-3 for only her second win over a top-10 player.
She will now fancy her chances of making the quarter-finals when she tackles New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun, the world number 123, in the fourth round.
Raducanu, ranked at 135 and playing on a wildcard after struggling with a series of injuries, had defeated Sakkari in the semi-finals on her way to her history-making US Open breakthrough almost three years ago.
On Friday, she was in control from the start under the roof of Centre Court with a break in the first game.
She broke serve again in the seventh on her way to pocketing the opener, having saved all five break points she had faced.
Backed by an expectant home crowd, Raducanu carved out a crucial break for a 2-1 lead in the second set and eventually sealed the tie on a third match point.
Raducanu had arrived at the All England Club after making her first semi-final of the year at Nottingham last month.
She then saved a match point to beat Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne for her first win against a top 10 player.
E. da Cruz--JDB
