Nick Kyrgios reacts as Emma Raducanu exits Wimbledon following her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka

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It wasn’t to be for Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon in 2025, but she certainly left her mark on Centre Court.

Beating her fellow Brit Mimi Xu in round one, Raducanu defeated 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round to set up a blockbuster last 32 clash.

Facing off against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Raducanu gave it her all under the roof on Centre Court.

The Brit saved seven set points in the first set, eventually falling in a tiebreaker 6-8, as the Belarusian took the advantage.

Fighting back, Raducanu secured a break in the second before Sabalenka stepped into another gear, clinching her spot in the fourth round with a 7-6, 6-4 win.

Reacting to Sabalenka and Raducanu’s third-round Wimbledon thriller, 2022 finalist Nick Kyrgios weighed in with his thoughts.

Nick Kyrgios calls Emma Raducanu v Aryna Sabalenka ‘one of the best matches’ of Wimbledon

Taking to X, Kyrgios gave his verdict on Sabalenka’s straight sets win over the British number one.

“Incredible effort by [Aryna] Sabalenka, what a competitor,” he said.

“Props to [Emma] Raducanu.

“One of the best matches of the championships.”

Few would argue with Kyrgios’ assessment, as Raducanu and Sabalenka provided two hours of excellent entertainment at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

The highlight of the match was the tenth game, where Raducanu displayed all the grit and determination fans have come to expect as she saved seven set points.

Withstanding 13 minutes of pressure, Raducanu forced the error from Sabalenka, levelling things up at 5-5.

Both players continued to impress through the remainder of the match, but in the end, the experience of Sabalenka shone through, breaking twice late on in the second to secure the win.

Raducanu will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat, but if she keeps up this form, she will be in with a real shout next year.

Sabalenka, on the other hand, still has work to do at the All England Club, as she searches for her first Wimbledon title.

Twice a losing semi-finalist, the Belarusian wants to go all the way this year, and looks better placed than anyone to do so.

Needing to raise her level to beat an inspired Raducanu, Sabalenka did just that, and she will now be hoping she can maintain it for the rest of the tournament.

Next up for Sabalenka is Elise Mertens, her former doubles partner, with whom she won Grand Slam titles at the US Open in 2019 and at the Australian Open in 2021.

The pair will battle it out for a place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Sunday, July 6.

What’s next for Emma Raducanu after Wimbledon defeat?

Raducanu showed she can hang with the very best on the WTA Tour at Wimbledon, but what’s next for the British star?

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, losing in the third round of Wimbledon saw her surrender the British number one ranking, as either Katie Boulter or Sonay Kartal will carry that title when the next set of rankings are released.

Looking to make a swift return to the top spot, Raducanu will head to North America, competing first at the Washington Open.

The new British number three enjoyed a strong showing in DC 12 months ago, reaching the quarterfinals, where she came up short against Paula Badosa.

• 2024 Washington Open 1R – Emma Raducanu beat Elise Mertens 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
• 2024 Washington Open 2R – Emma Raducanu beat Peyton Stearns 7-6, 6-2
• 2024 Washington Open QF – Emma Raducanu lost to Paula Badosa 6-4, 5-7, 4-6

Hoping for more in 2025, Raducanu will definitely be one to look out for in Washington as she ramps up her US Open preparations.

Long labelled a ‘One-Slam wonder’, Raducanu is starting to show signs that she may be destined for more major success in the not-too-distant future.

Only time will tell if the 2021 US Open champion can double her Grand Slam tally in New York later this year, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Raducanu is scheduled to return to Grand Slam action at the 2025 US Open, which begins on Sunday, August 24.