Aryna Sabalenka has claimed that Emma Raducanu can return to the top-10 after surviving a tough test to beat the British No. 1 at Wimbledon. The top seed came back from a break down in both sets, reeling off the last five games in a row to win 7-6(6) 6-4.
It might be a third-round defeat for Raducanu, but the 2021 US Open champion made a statement as she pushed the world No. 1 to the brink. Sabalenka needed 74 minutes and eight set points to edge out Raducanu in a close opening set, and the three-time Major winner was impressed with what she saw from her opponent.
"Well honestly guys, she played such an incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win. I fought for every point like crazy and I'm super happy with the win of course," Sabalenka told the Centre Court crowd.
"And I'm happy to see her healthy and back on track and I'm pretty sure that soon she's going to be back in the top 10. And guys, wow, what an atmosphere. I mean, my ears are still hurting honestly it was super loud."
The 15,000 fans inside Wimbledon's biggest showcourt responded with a loud cheer, finally getting behind Sabalenka after rooting for Raducanu throughout the two-hour contest.
And the 27-year-old admitted that she used a clever tactic to stop the noise from bothering her, pretending they were calling her name instead.
Sabalenka added: "Honestly, every time you were cheering her up, I was trying to tell myself just pretend they're cheering for you, and I was having goosebumps, just wow, thank you for the atmosphere."
The world No. 1 has faced plenty of tough crowds in her career. In the 2023 US Open final, she crumbled when the American fans cheered Coco Gauff on to victory. Sabalenka also had another tough loss to Gauff just a few weeks ago in the French Open final, and she learned from her mistakes.
"I had a lot of experience in the past and especially recently where I just completely lost myself and I couldn't play any point," the Belarusian explained.
"And today I kept telling myself, 'Just do not do the same mistake', so I was just trying to stay calm and I was just trying to push myself to the limits."
Raducanu led 4-2 in the first set before Sabalenka forced a tiebreak to take it 74 minutes. The Brit then had break points for 5-1 in set two, but the top seed shut the door and got it done in straight sets.
Explaining how she came back against the Brit, Sabalenka added: "She was playing incredible tennis once again, she was making me move a lot, she was serving well, and from the baseline she was playing great tennis.
"I don't know, honestly, I was trying to stay focused, I was just trying to put as many balls as I can on that side and trying put all of the pressure on her."
The world No. 1 will continue her quest for a fourth Grand Slam title and maiden Wimbledon crown on Sunday, as she faces 24th seed and former doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round.
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