Emma Raducanu pays harsh penalty as she's dumped OUT of Wimbledon in heartbreaking defeat

Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon dream is over for another year after a straight sets loss to world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. But it really didn't need to be.

The British No.1 had chances to win both sets, and broke the top seed on multiple occasions. But she was unable to take the opportunities that came her way - and ultimately paid a harsh price against the three-time Grand Slam winner.

In just short of two hours she was defeat 7-6 (6) 6-4 by Sabalenka. But what might seem like a straightforward win for the 27-year-old Belarussian was anything but.

Raducanu led 4-2 in the first set and saved seven set points before her own set point. And she also had a point to lead 5-1 in the second set with Centre Court right behind her.

But she failed to take advantage of the situation on both occasions. And having won the first set in 74 minutes after a tie break, Sabalenka was ruthless in the second, charging from 4-1 down, rattling off five straight games to claim victory and ensure she continues her pursuit of a first Wimbledon title.

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"An enthralling battle" was how Naomi Cavaday put it on BBC Radio Five Live. "An incredibly high standard."

“She played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win," said Sabalenka. “I fought for every point like crazy. Super happy with the win, of course, and happy to see her healthy and back on track.

"I am pretty sure she will soon be back in the top 10. Emma was playing incredible tennis once again, making me move a lot, serving well from the baseline, playing great tennis.

“What an atmosphere, my ears are still hurting. I was telling myself, just pretend they’re cheering for you, and I was having goosebumps.”

Sabalenka had to dig deep, but is now odds-on favourite to win a maiden SW19 title, with five of the other top six seeds having all already been beaten.

It was a far cry from Raducanu's Grand Slam appearances so far this season - both of which had ended in brutal fashion. She won just one game at the Australian Open, and then three at the French.

She put up one hell of a fight and really troubled the more powerful Sabalenka, roared on by a boisterous crowd under the roof. Raducanu's confidence was high after beating 2023 winner Marketa Vondrousova, no doubt about it, and for long spells she played some spell-binding stuff.

But in the end it was a reminder of how far the 2021 US Open winner has to go to get back among the very elite of women's tennis - the pinnacle of which was standing across from her here.

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