18-year-old British professional Emma Raducanu made headlines after her two stunning victories at Wimbledon Championships 2021. Now, she had even a bigger task, taking on the Victoria Azarenka conqueror, Sorana Cirstea, in the third round. Ultimately, the young aspirant exceeded all expectations, outclassing the Romanian in straight sets 6-3, 7-5.
Moreover, Raducanu must have had no idea what had been waiting for her in the All England Club. But after three extraordinary wins, she has now entered the history books of the Championships. Notably, Emma Raducanu is now the youngest British woman to reach the last 16 in the tournament. It is a record that broke after 1979.
18yo 🇬🇧 Emma Raducanu bidding to become the youngest British woman to reach the #Wimbledon Round of 16 in the Open Era.
Youngest Brit to do so in the OE is Deborah Jevans (1979, at 19 years, 48 days).
Others: Glynis Coles (1973, at 19y, 138d), Laura Robson (2013, at 19y, 166d). pic.twitter.com/Uzjkd7k0o2
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) July 3, 2021
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It is the clean hitting along with her solid service game that brought her success so quickly. It would be interesting to see if she could maintain the same level in the second week in Wimbledon.
Read More: Who is Emma Raducanu: All You Need to Know About Her Family Background, Origin, and More
Emma Raducanu vs. Sorana Cirstea: Wimbledon Championships 2021 R3
Even before the match began, tennis fans knew what this first-time encounter between Emma and Sorana had to offer. Coming from an exceptional triumph in the previous round, both showed great promise to go ahead. In the end, it came down to the one who wanted to win the match more than the other.
Keeping to her strengths, Raducanu found the perfect momentum to dominate the opening set. Also, with Sorana giving her easy points, the young British professional wasted no opportunity to go in the front. Consequently, Raducanu confirmed the first set for herself, winning it comfortably 6-3 with one set away from history.
Taking flight 🛫@EmmaRaducanu is just a set away from a spot in the fourth round, winning the opener 6-3 against Sorana Cirstea#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/5WPwziN5gd
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2021
Afterward, many would assume that the youngster might slow down in the second set. But no, Raducanu broke Sorana immediately to get a 3-0 lead in the second. Naturally, the fans roared in her support as she almost completed the Romanian test. Yet, the question that had hit many minds was: Will she keep up with her performance?
Holy cow. Emma Raducanu breaks with another crisp winner. Seven games in a row and she leads 6-3 2-0. Destroying Sorana Cirstea at the moment. Can she keep this up?
— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) July 3, 2021
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Eventually, the British youngster did drop her level slightly, and it was everything Cirstea needed. In no time, the Romanian recovered her loss and leveled the games at 3-3.
Following that, Raducanu settled down and held her service game to come ahead again at 4-3. Both not ready to give up on their dream played the longest game of the match. In the end, Cirstea got the right shot in place to bring the score back to 4-4.
Unquestionably, the young Brit was not happy with the outcome of the last game, yet she showed steely nerves to hold serve and pushed herself one game away. At 6-5, Raducanu sealed the deal and fixed her place in the next round.
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Do you think the young British professional will complete her dream run in Wimbledon Championships 2021?
Watch this story: Unknown Facts About Wimbledon Championships