Emma Raducanu: Tim Henman says Wimbledon defeat to world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka will ‘motivate’ Brit

Emma Raducanu’s electrifying third-round clash at Wimbledon 2025 against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was a spectacle that captivated Centre Court, showcasing the British star’s resilience and untapped potential. Despite falling 7-6(6), 6-4 in a two-hour epic, Raducanu’s performance left an indelible mark, prompting former British No. 1 Tim Henman to declare that the defeat will “motivate” her as she heads into the American hard-court swing. The match, a high-octane display of power and precision, underscored Raducanu’s return to form and her ability to challenge the sport’s elite, offering a glimpse of her bright future.

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, entered Wimbledon ranked 40th, a far cry from her career-high of No. 10, yet her performance against Sabalenka was a testament to her resurgence. Fresh off a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, Raducanu brought confidence and aggression to the court. “I think that was one of the best matches I’ve played in a long time,” she said after the Vondrousova win, a sentiment echoed in her fearless approach against Sabalenka. The 22-year-old broke the Belarusian early for a 3-2 lead in the first set, igniting a raucous Centre Court crowd. Her athleticism and powerful forehand, rated 8.2 on Wimbledon’s shot quality analysis, kept Sabalenka under pressure, culminating in a dramatic 74-minute first set where Raducanu saved seven set points and earned one of her own.

Sabalenka, however, showcased why she holds the top ranking. Her precise ball-striking and daring drop shots, including a stunning backhand drop volley to clinch the first-set tiebreak, highlighted her evolution into a versatile champion. “She played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win,” Sabalenka said, her ears still ringing from the crowd’s deafening support for Raducanu. “What an atmosphere, my ears are still hurting. I was telling myself, just pretend they’re cheering for you.” The Belarusian, who improved her record against British players to 9-0, predicted a swift rise for Raducanu, stating, “I’m pretty sure she will be back in the top 10 soon. She’s fighting. She’s playing much better. She’s more consistent.”

The second set saw Raducanu surge to a 4-1 lead, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s errors and her own tactical shift to step in on returns. Yet, the physical toll of long rallies and the mental weight of facing the world No. 1 began to show. A slip on court briefly raised concerns about her left hip, but Raducanu fought on, only to see Sabalenka reel off five consecutive games to seal the match. “It’s hard to take a loss like that,” Raducanu admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. “At the same time, I’m playing Aryna, who is a great champion. I have to be proud of my effort.” She highlighted the need to improve her first serve, noting, “I think that’s something that I need to improve on,” as a key factor in closing the gap against top players.

Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semifinalist, sees this defeat as a catalyst for Raducanu’s growth. “There are a lot of very good players on the women’s tour, and Emma is learning her trade,” he remarked, drawing parallels to her 2022 loss to Caroline Garcia, which he called a “reality check.” He emphasized that her performance against Sabalenka, where she went “toe-to-toe” with the best, will fuel her drive. “She will go and lick her wounds and understand where she has to improve,” Henman added, confident that Raducanu’s work with coach Mark Petchey, whom she rated “11 out of 10,” will propel her forward. Her recent consistency, evident in wins over top-30 players like Dayana Yastremska at Indian Wells, supports this optimism.

Raducanu’s journey since her US Open triumph has been tumultuous, marked by injuries and coaching changes, yet her 2025 season shows promise. Her “free and expressive” demeanor, as seen in doubles with Katie Boulter at Queen’s, reflects a renewed joy in the game. “I think when I look back at my career, I’m really going to remember that match because you play for those moments,” she said, finding solace in a post-match Kit-Kat. Despite dropping to British No. 3 behind Boulter and Sonay Kartal, her performance drew a peak TV audience of five million, underscoring her star power. As she prepares for the US Open, where she’ll team up with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles, Raducanu’s spirited display against Sabalenka signals a player ready to reclaim her place among the elite, driven by a loss that, in Henman’s words, will “motivate” her to new heights.

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