Emma Raducanu wary of falling into costly 'trap' against Aryna Sabalenka after defeating Marketa Vondousova to set up third round blockbuster

Centre Court was treated to a superb display of tennis from Emma Raducanu, who breezed past Marketa Vondrousova to set up a mouth-watering Wimbledon third-round clash against world No. 1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu won in straight sets in less than an hour and a half, and looked on top form against Vondrousova, who had no answer to the British No. 1's power and precision.

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Emma Raducanu stormed into the third round at Wimbledon with an impressive win over Marketa Vondrousova on Centre Court.

The British No. 1 won 6-3 6-3 and looked in imperious form against her Czech opponent.

Victory means Raducanu will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the next round, after the latter beat Marie Bouzkova earlier in the day.

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And the 22-year-old was wary of making the same mistakes that have seen countless opponents of the Belarusian depart the court defeated.

"I definitely think playing Aryna, she's No. 1 in the world for a reason. You can't really do nothing or give nothing balls to her," said Raducanu in her post-match press conference.

"I'm going to have to be aggressive but pick my moments and not be overly [aggressive]. I think you can fall into that trap, too.

"I don't think I'm going to go out there and out-power her, like size-wise and power-wise. I think I'm going to have to try and be creative as well.

"I know it's going to be a massive challenge. I'm going to have to play some really good tennis.

"You want to play the best. You are going to have to play them at some point if you want to win one of these tournaments. Even though it's early in the tournament, I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

Raducanu was made to serve first by Vondrousova and held, as did the latter, coming from 0-30 to win her first service game.

Both players were striking the ball well in the early stages, trading blows from the baseline.

And both players looked consistent on serve until game six, when Raducanu returned well and found herself with two break points. She took the first with a superb passing shot to lead 4-2.

But she failed to back it up as Vondrousova, aggressive and determined, immediately broke back.

Undeterred, Raducanu broke again in the very next game, after a couple of double faults and unforced errors from the Czech.

Serving for the set, Raducanu held her nerve, letting out a shout of relief as the crowd cheered.

Another double fault from Vondrousova was an ignominious start to the second set, but she quickly won four straight points to hold.

Raducanu held in response and then put pressure on Vondrousova's serve again, returning strongly and forcing another break point. She missed out with an overhit shot, but eventually broke at the third attempt after deuce.

Again, though, Vondrousova was allowed a way back in, given two break points after a couple of unforced errors. Raducanu saved them this time, taking the game to deuce and securing a crucial hold to lead 3-1.

The momentum was all with Raducanu, who was returning exceptionally and had an opportunity for a double break, but Vondrousova saved three break points and held.

Raducanu quickly made it 4-2 and crept closer towards the finish line. Vondrousova, though, was not done yet, holding again despite some resistance from the Brit, whose defensive play from deep on the court stood out.

Another impressive service game from an increasingly big-hitting Raducanu put her 5-3 up, and Vondrousova was tasked with serving to stay in the match.

The latter had a wry smile on her face as the first serve of the following game was met by a ferocious Raducanu return.

Soon after, more excellent play from the baseline from the Brit made it 30-40, match point, and she needed no second attempt. Vondrousova hit a wayward shot and the crowd erupted, as Raducanu booked a third-round clash with the top seed.

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"I think today I played really, really well. There were some points that I have no idea how I turned around," reflected Raducanu in her on-court interview.

"I knew playing Marketa was going to be an incredibly difficult match. She has won this tournament which is a huge achievement. I'm really pleased with how I played my game the whole way through.

"I knew today I had to be aggressive because if I pushed the ball around Vondrousova would beat me. Mark [Petchey] has helped me a lot, everyone in that box. The support was incredible and I felt it today. The atmosphere was electric."

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