Emma Raducanu charges into fourth round after defeating ninth seed Maria Sakkari

This win sees the 21-year-old equal her best run at Wimbledon and the first time she’s reached the second week at Grand Slam since her historic run to the 2021 US Open crown.

In a second career meeting between the pair, Raducanu made it two wins from two against the Greek star before closing out her second win against a top 10 player in nine days. This comes off the back of a career-best win by ranking against world No.4 Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne last week.

Next up in her path, Raducanu will face qualifier and world No.123 Lulu Sun, who has had a dream run so far in South West London.

“I really enjoyed it” she beamed. “I was just telling myself ‘How many times in life are you gonna get the chance to play in front of a full Centre Court? So I’m really grateful for the support.

“I think I’m most proud of how I was just so focused, so determined on every single point and in every single moment. She’s top 10, so in a way I came in with a free swing.

“I knew I had to battle and fight hard and I tried to not let the scoreline affect me. You have to play every point as if it’s your last, not to be dramatic.”

Raducanu has truly found her stride during the British grass court swing, adding an appearance in the fourth round of Wimbledon to her semi-final run at the Rothesay Open Nottingham and the quarter-finals at the Rothesay International Eastbourne.

Speaking on her re-ignited love for tennis, Raducanu added, “Finding your inner passion I think now it’s win, lose, everyday I’m just trying to win the day. Different days mean different things, sometimes you’re not having a good day but it’s about getting out on the practice court, giving your best even if it’s not the best quality.

“It’s a give and take but as long as you just give your all every single day.”

Heading into the match, Raducanu would’ve taken plenty of confidence from last encounter against the world No.9, having defeated her 6-1, 6-4 in the US Open semi-final three years ago.

It was clear Raducanu came out with nothing to lose as she surged to a 2-0 lead. The Grand Slam champion looked to play aggressively in front of her home crowd on a packed-out Centre Court – securing the double break with a beautiful backhand lob before taking the first set.

The British star is yet to drop a set this week and was solid behind her serve once again – winning 71% of points behind her first serve across the match. While Sakkari tried to force herself back into the battle, she struggled to snap the Briton’s momentum across the net.

With her racket swinging freely, Raducanu found a further two breaks in the second as a forehand launched long by the Greek gifted her the victory on her third match point.

However, before she fights for a spot in her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final, Raducanu will now turn her attention to the mixed doubles on Saturday, where she is set to make her debut alongside three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray. The match will be a must-watch for British tennis fans, with Murray potentially making his final appearance in SW19 after he bowed out in the first round of the men’s doubles with brother Jamie Murray.

“I’ll just take direction and follow his lead. I think I have to do a crash course in doubles tonight. I’kl have fun tomorrow regardless but of course I’ll cherish the opportunity because it’s such an honour.”