There’s something about Wimbledon that brings out the best in Emma Raducanu.
Heading into her home Grand Slam with modest expectations following a difficult grass-court lead-in, the British number one has quickly reignited belief in her game.
On Wednesday, the 22-year-old delivered a commanding performance to defeat defending champion Marketa Vondrousova, advancing to the third round for the third time in four Wimbledon appearances. The 6-2, 6-3 win sets up a mouthwatering clash on Friday against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
“I think that was one of the best matches I’ve played in a long time, which I’m very proud of,” said Raducanu, currently ranked 40th in the world. “At the same time, I didn’t feel like I was doing anything outrageous, which gives me a lot of confidence.”
Raducanu had downplayed her prospects before the tournament, admitting she didn’t “truthfully expect much” of herself over the fortnight. She had suffered a first-round defeat in Eastbourne to Australian teenager Maya Joint and acknowledged needing to get her “head in the game.”
She also revealed she’d received “pretty bad” personal news recently—details she chose to keep private—and continues to manage a back issue that has troubled her since the offseason.
Still, the 2021 US Open champion opened her Wimbledon campaign with a composed win over fellow Briton Mimi Xu before raising her level significantly to dispatch Vondrousova.
“That’s quite a statement that Emma has put out,” said former British number one Annabel Croft on BBC Radio 5 Live. “She couldn’t be hitting the ball any better. She was absolutely middling it.
“I think Sabalenka will be worried. If Raducanu can maintain that level, she’ll give the world number one a serious challenge—even if Sabalenka brings a lot of power.”
Finding Her Weapons
Raducanu’s game is well-suited to grass, with her athleticism and fluid movement allowing her to take control of points on the faster surface.
One of her biggest goals this season, working alongside coach Mark Petchey, has been developing her forehand into a more consistent weapon. That work is paying off.
Against Vondrousova, Raducanu used her backhand to patiently absorb pressure and frustrate her opponent. Once she neutralized Vondrousova’s variety, she switched gears and took control with aggressive play—particularly on the forehand side.
Wimbledon’s shot quality data, which assesses key shots on factors like speed, spin, and depth, rated her forehand at 8.2—well above the women’s draw average of 7.0.
“I think the difference for me to reach the top is going to be about adding more aggression,” said Raducanu. “Taking calculated risks, being brave with my shots, and starting points strongly. At the top level, you need weapons—on serve and from the baseline.”
Comfortable and Confident
Since reuniting with Petchey, Raducanu has looked more relaxed and composed on court. The presence of a close-knit support team has been key to her resurgence this season, helping her climb back into the top 40 after a rollercoaster couple of years since her US Open breakthrough.
Feeling at home at Wimbledon also plays a role. After her victory over Vondrousova, Raducanu was seen taking selfies with friends on the All England Club balcony—a sign of how much she’s enjoying herself.
“It’s so rad. I’ve got all my friends here in one place, and they’ve been my rock through everything,” she said. “I had a similar routine last year, and I really cherish these moments.
“We all know how hard the tour can be week to week, so to feel at home in this environment—it’s just so special.”
Having already reached the fourth round in 2021 and again in 2024, Raducanu now faces her biggest challenge yet in Sabalenka. But with confidence returning and the crowd behind her, she may be ready to deliver another Wimbledon moment to remember.
