Raducanu Falls Short As Sabalenka Survives Tough Wimbledon Test

British number 1 Emma Raducanu is retired of Wimbledon aft falling agonisingly short of apical seed Aryna Sabalenka successful a gripping third-round lucifer connected Centre Court.

Raducanu, 22, put nan three-time Grand Slam champion - and clear title favourite - nether utmost unit earlier succumbing to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.

"Emma played specified unthinkable tennis and she pushed maine really difficult to get this win," said 27-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka.

"I had to conflict for each constituent to get this win."

Raducanu, classed 40th successful nan world, played pinch clarity and assurance passim astir of a captivating title connected Centre Court.

Had nan 2021 US Open champion served retired nan opening group astatine 6-5, aliases converted a group constituent successful nan tie-break, nan momentum of nan lead mightiness person carried her to a notable victory.

However, nan shortage proved excessively overmuch to overturn - moreover though Raducanu collapsed to lead 4-1 successful nan 2nd set.

The agelong rallies she needed to break down Sabalenka yet took their toll and Raducanu began to look fatigued arsenic nan favourite fought back.

Sabalenka, who is aiming for a first SW19 title, goes connected to look Belgian 24th seed Elise Mertens successful nan 4th information connected Sunday.