Emma Raducanu outlines expectations after emphatic Wimbledon win over Maria Sakkari - 'Win every day'

Emma Raducanu Wimbledon

The 21-year-old was at her brilliant best during the showdown on Centre Court

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/07/2024

- 19:37

Updated: 05/07/2024

- 19:56

The 21-year-old was at her brilliant best during the showdown on Centre Court

Emma Raducanu was delighted after thumping Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3 on Friday to make the fourth round of Wimbledon and said she was just keen to 'win every day'.

The 21-year-old had gone into the clash full of confidence after brilliant victories over Renata Zarazúa and Elise Mertens in rounds one and two.


And she continued her quest for a second Grand Slam triumph with arguably her most convincing win yet.

Raducanu seems to be playing with the power and confidence of a few years ago when she defied the odds to win the US Open.

Emma Raducanu was outstanding during her Wimbledon win over Maria Sakkari

PA

When asked about rediscovering her joy for tennis after a difficult couple of years, Raducanu said she was loving life on the tennis court once again.

"I think today was really up there with the most fun I have had on a tennis court, I really enjoyed every single moment," she 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.

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"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!

"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 you all every day."

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On Saturday, Raducanu will get the honour of playing mixed doubles with Andy Murray.

Murray is set to retire from tennis completely after the Paris Olympics, meaning tomorrow could be his last match at SW19.

But Raducanu is looking forward to the experience, admitting she'll try and learn from the 37-year-old's experience.

"I'll just take direction and follow his lead," she said.

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Emma Raducanu Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu has now made it into the fourth round of Wimbledon

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"I'll have to do a crash course in doubles tonight but I'll have fun tomorrow regardless.

"Of course, I will cherish the opportunity because it is just such an honour."

Raducanu and Murray will be going up against Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai on Saturday.

Murray was forced to full out of singles action this year, with the 37-year-old struggling after recently undergoing surgery on his back.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu will be dreaming of Wimbledon glory after her win over Maria Sakkari

PA

After exiting the doubles on Thursday, Murray said his Wimbledon win in 2016 was his favourite moment.

“2016 was really different,” he said. “I felt way less pressure and the enjoyment I got out of that win was totally different to 2013.

“I had an amazing evening that night with my all friends and family, properly went out and enjoyed it with the people closest to me.

“Of my Slams, 2016 was my favourite one. I don’t remember much of that night.

"I had a few drinks and I did unfortunately vomit in the cab on the way home.”

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