Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon run came to an end with a three-set loss to qualifier Lulu Sun, who triumphed 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, reaching the quarter-finals in her debut at the tournament. This result saw the world No. 123 knocking out Britain’s last hope in the competition.
A Tough Battle for Raducanu
Raducanu had previously remarked that “qualifiers are dangerous,” and Sun proved this statement true. The New Zealander’s victory mirrored Raducanu’s own 2021 US Open journey, where she went from being a qualifier to a champion. On this day, however, Sun was the superior player.
Sun’s aggressive play was evident as she consistently pressured Raducanu, taking 28 points at the net compared to Raducanu’s seven and winning 21 of them. Raducanu found herself struggling to hold serve throughout the match, with Sun frequently pushing her to the back foot.
Moments of Resistance and Physical Challenges
Despite the challenges, Raducanu showed resilience, taking the second set against the run of play and saving a match point at 5-2 in the third set with a daring crosscourt backhand. Her fight mirrored her efforts from two years ago, but physical issues arose once again. Raducanu jarred her ankle during a slide in the third set, prompting a visit from the physio, though she managed to complete the match.
Sun’s Historic Achievement
Sun’s victory made her the first woman in 14 years to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals through qualifying. She also became the first New Zealand woman to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon and only the third to advance this far in a Grand Slam. Sun’s only previous Grand Slam experience was a first-round loss at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Raducanu’s Return to Form
Raducanu’s return to Wimbledon was marked by excitement and joy, especially after a long injury break that required double wrist surgery. Her enthusiasm was clear in her previous match against Maria Sakkari and during the coin toss before her match with Sun.
The Match Breakdown
Sun started strong, breaking Raducanu’s serve early and maintaining her momentum. Raducanu fought back in the second set, but Sun’s aggressive play and powerful returns ultimately overwhelmed her. Raducanu had brief moments of dominance but was unable to sustain them against Sun’s relentless pressure.
Looking Ahead
For Raducanu, this fourth-round exit matches her best Wimbledon performance from two years ago. Despite the loss, her return from surgery and her performance in this tournament have been promising. As she continues to recover and build her form, Raducanu remains a hopeful prospect for future competitions.
Meanwhile, Sun’s remarkable journey continues as she advances to the quarter-finals, marking a significant milestone in her career and a notable achievement for New Zealand tennis.
