Wimbledon 2025 LIVE: Raducanu vs Sabalenka – British No 1 Battles World No 1 in High-Stakes Clash

Emma Raducanu vs. Aryna Sabalenka: Wimbledon 2025 Thriller Unfolds
By NATHAN SALT | Updated: 21:29 BST, 4 July 2025

FIRST SET: Sabalenka Edges Epic Tie-Break
In a gripping opening set on Centre Court, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka narrowly overcame British hopeful Emma Raducanu 7-6 (8-6) in a tie-break for the ages. Raducanu, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, fought valiantly but faltered in the final moments as Sabalenka clinched the set with a clinical volley.

Sabalenka sealed the first set with a decisive net play.

Early Drama and Momentum Shifts
Raducanu started boldly, breaking Sabalenka early to lead 3-1, showcasing her strategy of attacking the Belarusian’s second serve. However, Sabalenka’s power surged back, with blistering forehands and a relentless baseline game leveling the score. Matthew Lambwell, analyzing for Mail Sport, noted: “Raducanu’s counter-punching style disrupted Sabalenka initially, but the top seed’s resilience turned the tide.”

A marathon fifth game saw Sabalenka save seven break points before Raducanu finally broke again at 5-4. Yet Sabalenka instantly retaliated, breaking back with a fierce lob and forcing a tie-break.

Tie-Break Tension
The shootout swung wildly: Raducanu’s precision backhands clashed with Sabalenka’s raw power. At 6-6, Sabalenka pounced on a weak return, securing the set with a deft volley. “What a set—possibly the best of the tournament,” Lambwell remarked.

Raducanu’s backhand proved a key weapon early on.

Second Set: Raducanu Fights Back
Undeterred, Raducanu broke immediately in the second set, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s errors to lead 1-0. The Brit’s tactical serving and agile defense kept her ahead, though Sabalenka’s booming returns remained a threat.

Key Moments & Analysis

• Sabalenka’s Serve: Topped 110mph at crucial moments, but inconsistency on second serves allowed Raducanu chances.
• Raducanu’s Grit: Saved multiple break points with clutch serves and agility. Annabel Croft on BBC praised: “She’s not intimidated, giving Sabalenka real problems.”
• Roof Closed: The decision to close Centre Court’s roof amplified the atmosphere, favoring Raducanu’s counter-punching style.

The duo’s fierce rallies captivated the crowd.

Turning Point
At 5-5 in the first set, Sabalenka survived an 11-minute hold, saving seven break points. “Her mental toughness shone through,” Lambwell observed. The Belarusian then broke Raducanu’s serve, setting up the tie-break triumph.

What’s Next?
As the second set unfolds, Raducanu must maintain her aggressive returns to unsettle Sabalenka. The Belarusian, meanwhile, will aim to overpower the Brit with her baseline dominance.

Live Updates Continue
Stay tuned for further game-by-game coverage of this Wimbledon classic.

Images: Getty, PA, Reuters | Additional reporting by Matthew Lambwell