For a few fleeting moments late on Friday, as 15,000 spectators collectively lost their minds, something special was unfolding under the Centre Court roof. Not only was Emma Raducanu holding her own against Aryna Sabalenka, she was soaring. More than an hour into one of the most intense matches she has played, Raducanu arrived at set point against the best player in the world.
However, Sabalenka, the world No 1, has long grown accustomed to the massive target on her back, which so often spurs her challengers to perform far above their usual levels. In the face of another grand slam champion playing some of her best tennis, Sabalenka elevated her own game to even greater heights in the decisive moments, crushing Raducanu’s hopes of a career-best victory by triumphing 7-6 (6), 6-4 to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.
