By Tony Fairbairn at Wimbledon
- Emma Raducanu [WC] def Elise Mertens 6-1 6-2
- Raducanu v Maria Sakkari [9] | H2H: Raducanu leads 1-0
LONDON, ENGLAND – Emma Raducanu is into the third round of Wimbledon after thrashing Elise Mertens and will now face ninth seed Maria Sakkari for a place in the second week.
![]() |
---|
Emma Raducanu [WC] def Elise Mertens 6-1 6-2
Emma Raducanu surged into the third round at Wimbledon after thrashing Elise Mertens in 76 minutes. The Brit was clinical on serve and return despite missing a few first serves early on as Mertens produced unforced errors on return. There was more consistency, depth and power to the forehand as the Belgian was helpless for the most part with Raducanu sealing an early 5-0 lead.
There was more consistency on serve from Mertens after that but the Belgian offered nothing to change the course of the match. A dominant first set from Raducanu was sealed with a comfortable hold of serve as she only dropped one game in a 38 minute display of domination. There was no slowing down from Raducanu in the second set as Mertens continued to produce unforced errors.
No signs of slowing down from Raducanu as she created nine break points in the first three return games and took two of them to seal a double break advantage at 4-1. A hold of serve from Mertens late on in the set was a rare reason to smile in an otherwise dismal display from the Belgian. Raducanu closed out victory in comfortable fashion to book a place in the third round. After the match Raducanu admitted she was pleased with the performance but doesn’t think it was her best match since winning the US Open a few years ago.
“I think I played very well, but I don’t think it was my best match since US Open. I think I’ve played a few matches that I was personally probably happier with,” Raducanu stated.
“But, of course, today I’m very pleased with, again, how I handled situations. I mean, it’s always a lot of fun, but it’s never easy stepping out onto a massive court and, yeah, playing in front of the home crowd. It’s not straightforward.
“I think the way I handled that, the first game going Love-30, then regrouping, finding a good rhythm, I’m very pleased with that, but I wouldn’t say it was my best performance.”
Emma Raducanu [WC] v Maria Sakkari [9] H2H & Match Fundamentals
Emma Raducanu [WC] v Maria Sakkari [9] | H2H: Raducanu leads 1-0 |
Wimbledon 2024 | London, England |
Grass (O) | Prize Money: £143,000 |
Second on Centre Court (16:00 BST) | BBC Sport |
Raducanu faces Maria Sakkari for a place in the last 16 in a rematch of their US Open semi-final a few years ago which Raducanu won.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
H2H: | Emma Raducanu (WR 135) | Maria Sakkari (WR 9) |
Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2021) | R3 (2017, 2019, 2022) |
1st Serve Return Points Won % | 37.7 | 37.7 |
Return Points Won % | 43.7 | 43.2 |
Break Point Conversion % | 40.7 | 46.3 |
Break Points Saved % | 59.5 | 62 |
Total Points Won % | 57.4 | 51.7 |
Raducanu’s efficient and aggressive returning will be put to the test against Sakkari’s big and physical serving.
![]() |
---|
Playing styles and prediction
After reaching the final at Indian Wells, Sakkari hasn’t had the best season and once again has been disappointing at the Grand Slams. The world number nine seems to have a huge mental struggles when it comes to trying to go deep at Grand Slams and that will be put to the test once again at Wimbledon.
Raducanu will aim to be smart, patient and aggressive on return as she looks to neutralise the power of Sakkari and test the Greek’s mental strength in this match. Meanwhile Sakkari will need to be aggressive as she aims to rush Raducanu with depth and pace. This should be a good match with both players needing a win to boost their psychological mindset heading into the rest of the season. Raducanu’s slightly more reliable serve should see her over the line in a tough contest.
Prediction: Raducanu in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow Wimbledon 2024
TV | Across BBC Channels & Red Button |
Live Stream | BBC Sport |
Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
![]() Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
---|
Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
---|---|
Soundcloud | |
YouTube | |
We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website |