By Janhavi Shinde
Aryna Sabalenka responded to Emma Raducanu’s heartfelt message after the latter’s third-round loss at Wimbledon on Friday. The iconic tournament commenced on June 30, 2025, and will conclude on July 13 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.Sabalenka and Raducanu locked horns on Friday, July 4, in the third round under the roof on Centre Court. The Brit earned a set point but fell short of converting it, which led to a loss in the first set. The 22-year-old started strong in the second set, but couldn’t hold on to the lead, eventually losing the match 7-6(8), 6-4. After her quest to win her first Wimbledon title came to an end, Raducanu expressed her gratitude for being part of an unforgettable night and conveyed her well wishes for the World No. 1.”Many feelings to compute but that was a mega night to have been part of.,” Raducanu wrote. “鈿★笍Thank you for the thrilling energy and atmosphere💡鈾ワ笍good luck for the rest of the way @arynasabalenka.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe Belarusian tennis star acknowledged the British No. 1’s performance while expecting bigger battles between them in the future.”You played incredibly good🔥I鈥檓 sure we gonna play big matches in the future 🙌”Screenshot of Raducanu’s Instagram post’s comment section.Emma Raducanu responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s predictions for British No. 1Emma Raducanu at The Championships Wimbledon 2025. (Source: Getty)In a press conference following the third round, Aryna Sabalenka showed confidence in Emma Raducanu’s ability to return to the top 10, stating that the Brit was making phenomenal improvement in consistency and looked mentally strong.”I鈥檓 definitely sure that, maybe not in the months, but in a bit longer period, she鈥檚 definitely gonna get back in the top. She鈥檚 fighting. She鈥檚 playing much better. She鈥檚 more consistent. I can see that mentally, she鈥檚 healthy. That鈥檚 really important. I鈥檓 pretty sure she鈥檚 getting there,” said Sabalenka.However, Raducanu’s view differed from that of Sabalenka, who, during an interview with Sky Sports, acknowledged the Belarusian’s kind words but stated that she needed to keep working and improving.”It’s nice of her to say that, but I think it was pretty clear the difference. In the big moments, she was able to convert, she was able to hit some incredible shots,” Raducanu said. “I just need to keep working and get back to the drawing board and improve a lot more.”Sabalenka will face the Belgian 24th seed Elise Mertens in the fourth round on Sunday.