Emma Raducanu produced a scintillating display to overpower Maria Sakkari in straight sets, reclaiming her status as British No.1 in the process. The 21-year-old's dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne marks a significant milestone in her comeback journey.
Raducanu's Resurgence Continues
The former US Open champion showcased her trademark precision and athleticism against the world No.9, needing just 80 minutes to secure her place in the quarter-finals. This impressive win sees Raducanu leapfrog compatriot Katie Boulter in the WTA rankings, regaining the top British spot she last held in October 2022.
Tactical Masterclass Against Top-10 Opponent
Raducanu's performance was particularly notable for her clinical execution against a higher-ranked opponent. She converted four of her five break point opportunities while saving five of the six break points she faced. The young Brit's improved serve and consistent groundstrokes proved too much for Sakkari to handle on the grass courts.
Road to Wimbledon
This victory provides perfect preparation for Wimbledon, where Raducanu will be looking to improve on her second-round exit last year. With her ranking set to rise significantly, she'll avoid facing top seeds in the early rounds at SW19.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see if Raducanu can maintain this form and potentially make a deep run at her home Grand Slam. Her Eastbourne campaign continues against either Jessica Pegula or Daria Kasatkina in what promises to be another stern test.
