In the electrifying atmosphere of Wimbledon 2025, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, delivered a masterclass performance to overcome Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a thrilling third-round clash on Centre Court. The Belarusian’s 7-6(8), 6-4 victory showcased her resilience and mental fortitude, as she battled a partisan crowd and a resurgent opponent to advance to the fourth round. Adding a heartwarming layer to her triumph, Sabalenka revealed a touching gesture from seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, who reached out with a private message to congratulate her. The interaction, coupled with a charming gift from Djokovic’s son, highlighted the camaraderie between two of tennis’s biggest stars and underscored Sabalenka’s growing stature in the sport.
The match against Raducanu was a test of Sabalenka’s mettle. Facing a home favorite backed by a roaring 15,000-strong Centre Court crowd, she found herself under pressure early on. Raducanu, ranked No. 40 and fresh off a commanding win over 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, surged to a 4-2 lead in the first set and later held a set point in a gripping tiebreak. “Emma played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win,” Sabalenka said post-match. “I had to fight for every point like crazy.” Channeling a tactic she learned from Djokovic, Sabalenka tricked herself into believing the crowd’s chants for “Emma” were for her, saying, “I was just trying to tell myself ‘they’re cheering for me.’ I had goosebumps.” Her composure shone through as she saved Raducanu’s set point with a delicate backhand drop shot and clinched the 74-minute opener with a stunning drop-volley on her eighth set point.
Despite trailing 4-1 in the second set, Sabalenka’s relentless power and precision turned the tide, as she reeled off the final five games to seal the victory. “What an atmosphere. My ears are still hurting,” she told the crowd, reflecting on the deafening support for Raducanu. Off the court, Sabalenka’s bond with Djokovic added a personal touch to her success. “Yeah, he actually messaged,” she revealed when asked about their communication. “I got to meet his kids… they’re so adorable. He actually sent me a drawing from his son and it was so cute.” The gesture, a heartfelt drawing from Djokovic’s son, underscored their close friendship, which has blossomed through playful interactions like a dance-off at Roland Garros and Djokovic crashing her press conference earlier in the tournament.
Sabalenka’s connection with Djokovic extends beyond camaraderie, as she credits him for helping her refine her mental game. Their discussions have covered managing energy, handling the mental demands of high-stakes matches, and approaching big finals. “I’m super happy that I was able to be that focused,” she said, referencing her ability to stay calm under pressure, a lesson drawn from Djokovic’s advice. This mental toughness was evident as she navigated the hostile crowd and Raducanu’s aggressive play, which included brilliant serving and a sliced backhand that forced Sabalenka to adapt. “I was trying to put all that pressure on her,” Sabalenka noted, emphasizing her strategy to stay aggressive and composed.
For Raducanu, the loss was bittersweet but a sign of progress. “It is very difficult to take right now,” she admitted, “but at the same time, I’ve pushed Aryna, who is number one and a great champion, so I have to be proud.” Despite the defeat, her performance signaled a return to form, with moments of top-10-level play that had the Centre Court faithful dreaming of an upset. Sabalenka, gracious in victory, predicted a bright future for her opponent, stating, “I’m pretty sure she will get back to the top 10 soon. She’s fighting. She’s playing much better. She’s more consistent.”
As Sabalenka advances to face Elise Mertens in the fourth round, her quest for a maiden Wimbledon title remains on track. With only two seeds left in the top half of the women’s draw, her path is fraught with opportunity and pressure. Reflecting on her growth, Sabalenka noted, “I’m a different person” since her French Open final loss, crediting the experience for teaching her to stay calm and respectful on court. With Djokovic’s support and a newfound mental edge, Sabalenka is proving why she’s the favorite to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish, her powerful game and infectious personality captivating fans and peers alike.
Leave a Reply