Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu rises to challenge to sink Maria Sakkari, Coco Gauff defeats Britain’s Sonay Kartal – Eurosport

Emma Raducanu produced another inspired performance against Maria Sakkari to delight the Wimbledon fans and secure her place in the fourth round.

Raducanu, who is a wild card at SW19 this fortnight, started swiftly and soon had a break of serve as she attacked Sakkari’s delivery very effectively.

The ninth seed from Greece struggled to find any rhythm on her serve and could only muster two games in the opening set as the British fans roared on their favourite.

An early break followed once more for Raducanu, who by this point was relishing the support and going for her shot with aggression and freedom.

The second set was a bit tighter as Sakkari gave everything in a desperate bid to disrupt her opponent’s flow, but she was never able to get back on terms.

Raducanu showed superb composure to close out the victory in style, and she will next await qualifier Lulu Sun, who has enjoyed a surprising run to the fourth round.

“I think today was really up there with the most fun I have had on a tennis court, I really enjoyed every single moment,” Raducanu said. “I was telling myself you don’t know how many times you are going to get the chance in your life to play in front of a full Centre Court, so I’m really grateful for the support.

“I’m most proud of how focused and determined I was in every single point, in every single moment. Maria [Sakkari] is a top-10 opponent. In a way, I came in with a free swing. But she is so tough, she has amazing weapons, I knew I had to battle. I tried to not let the scoreline affect me. You just have to play every point like it could be your last, not to be dramatic!”

She was asked about rediscovering her love for the game, and added: “Having your inner passion, win or lose, I’m just trying to win every day. Just giving your best.

“Some days you win the day and play great tennis, then that can be enough. Some days you can play amazing tennis and that’s the key, as long as you give your all every day.”

Over on Court 1, another Brit, Sonay Kartal, saw her exciting campaign come to an abrupt end as she was defeated by second seed Coco Gauff.

The American recorded a convincing 6-4 6-0 victory and will next take on compatriot and 19th seed Emma Navarro in the fourth round.

The 22-year-old Kartal, who came through the youth ranks of British tennis with Raducanu, enjoyed a fine run at the All England Club, but could not match Gauff’s level.