Delighted Emma Raducanu makes first comment on her match against Aryna Sabalenka after knocking out Marketa Vondrousova

Emma Raducanu continues to impress at Wimbledon as she books her place in the third round.

The British star returned home to Wimbledon with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but has withstood the pressure through her opening two matches.

In round one, Raducanu defeated her fellow Briton Mimi Xu in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, to set up an intriguing second-round clash with 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova.

Producing one of her best performances of the year, Raducanu beat Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3, advancing to the last 32 of Wimbledon for the third time in her career.

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There, she will face world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Marie Bouzkova in her second-round match.

During her on-court interview, Raducanu made her first comments on the blockbuster bout with Sabalenka.

Emma Raducanu says there will be ‘no pressure’ on her when she plays Aryna Sabalenka

Asked for her thoughts on Sabalenka and their third-round match, Raducanu claimed she won’t be under any pressure against the Belarusian.

“She is number one in the world right now, so dominant on the tour, has won literally everything,” said Raducanu.

“It’s going to be a really difficult match, but I’m just so happy with how I performed.

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“All I can do is control my side of the court as best as possible. When you play an opponent like her, you know you have to play well, but I guess there’s no pressure on me in the next round.”

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Many have picked Sabalenka to win this year’s tournament as she looks to extend her impressive Grand Slam streak.

The 27-year-old has reached the final at five of the last six Grand Slam tournaments she’s attended, winning two.

Having lost two Grand Slam finals in 2025 already, Sabalenka looks particularly determined to emerge victorious at the All England Club.

To knock out Sabalenka, Raducanu will need to produce another world-class performance, as she did against Vondrousova.

The Brit couldn’t stop smiling during her post-match interview as Centre Court applauded their home hero.

“I think today I played really, really well. I think there were some points I have no idea how I turned around. One for sure I remember in the second set,” she said.

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“I knew playing Marketa [Vondrousova] it was going to be an extremely difficult match. She has won this tournament, and it’s a huge achievement, so she is in form really well.

“I am just so happy with how I competed, put my game on the court, and I was really focused the whole way through.”

Raducanu proceeded to thank the crowd for their support as she commented on the help she received from coach Mark Petchey.

“I knew today that I had to be aggressive because Marketa would beat me if I pushed the ball around,” she said.

“I think Mark [Petchey] has helped me a lot, everyone in that box has helped me, my friends, the support was incredible, and I really felt it today.

“The atmosphere was electric, and I’m just so happy I get to play another match here.”

There’s no doubt Raducanu will experience an ‘electric atmosphere’ once more when she takes on Sabalenka for their second WTA Tour match.

What happened the first time Emma Raducanu played Aryna Sabalenka?

Raducanu and Sabalenka met once before, in the third round of Indian Wells in 2024.

On that occasion, it was the Belarusian who came out on top, winning in straight sets 6-3, 7-5.

Sabalenka was left impressed by Raducanu in California, as she praised the Brit during her on-court interview.

“It was a tough match. She played unbelievable tennis,” said Sabalenka.

“I’m super happy with the level today and super happy to get through this round.”

Only time will tell who will get the win when they play for a second time, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action when Sabalenka and Raducanu face off for a place in the fourth round on Friday, July 4.

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