The Wimbledon season is going on in fine swing and some of the best players have already stepped up to the occasion and are proving their worth. One of those stars is Emma Raducanu. Coming into the tournament as a clear favorite, the young British star looks all set to leave her mark and clinch her second career grand slam.

However, her journey to the top won’t be easy at all. Standing her way in the third round will be Maria Sakkari. The Greek superstar, who is reportedly undergoing a lot of personal changes will be equally determined to take the home favorite out of the tournament. With the stage set for a thrilling encounter, who among the two will come out on top?

Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari: Preview

Currently ranked no. 135 in the world, Emma Raducanu reached the third round with wins over Renata Zarazua and Elise Mertens. In the second round, Raducanu defeated Mertens 6-1, 6-2, scoring 58 points to the Belgian’s 38, with 27 winners. Raducanu served 3 aces and committed 1 double fault. She won 75% of her first serves and 62% of her second serves, not conceding a break.

Raducanu broke Mertens 4 times, converting 31% of her break points. She hasn’t dropped a set, winning 56% of her points played. Raducanu’s best result this year was reaching the semifinal in Nottingham. She has a 15-9 win-loss record in 2024, with a 6-2 record on grass.

On the other hand, Maria Sakkari reached the third round with wins over McCartney Kessler and Arantxa Rus. In the second round, Sakkari defeated Rus 7-5, 6-3, scoring 70 points to Rus’s 53, with 30 winners. Sakkari served 5 aces and committed 2 double faults.

She won 83% of her first serves and 60% of her second serves, not conceding a break. Sakkari broke Rus twice, converting 67% of her break points. Her best result this year was reaching the final in Indian Wells. Sakkari has a 23-13 win-loss record in 2024, with a 2-2 record on grass.

Raducanu vs Sakkari: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head statistics, there is a very fine line between the two stars. Interestingly, these two stars have crossed paths only once in their entire career and Emma Raducanu came out on top. This battle happened back at the US Open in 2o21. The stage was set for the semi-final clash and Raducanu came out on top with the scoreline of 6-1, 6-4. Thus Emma Raducanu leads the charts with a 1-0 lead.

Prediction: Emma Raducanu to make her way into the next round with a hard fought win

Coming into the match, both players will be determined to lay their hands on the win. Talking about Emma Raducanu, she will be the favorite going into the match. Having played brilliantly on grass so far, she will enjoy the home support which could turn out to be crucial for her. Also, she will be aware of her opponent’s gameplay and could use it as a weapon.

On the other hand, Maria Sakkari, who is reportedly undergoing a series of coaching changes, would have to come with proper strategies if she wants to stamp her authotiry over Raducanu. With the stage set for an action-packed match, who are you backing out? Do let us know in the comments below!