Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon hopes were crushed by France’s Caroline Garcia on center court as the British sport’s golden girl suffered a 6-3, 6-3 second round loss on Wednesday. The 19-year-old, who rose to fame with a US Open win last year, didn’t play poorly, but Garcia’s superior firepower was no answer. Garcia, a former top-10 player with three grasscourt titles on his CV, dominated the opening set as his aggressive return game and heavy serve destabilized 10th seed Radukanu.
She continued to blaze in the second set as Radukanu lost despite partisan support.
Games, sets and matches – @CaroGarcia,
French woman proved too strong for Emma Raducanu, winning 6-3, 6-3 #wimbledon , #centrecourt100 pic.twitter.com/2fIL3GjSFi— Wimbledon (@wimbledon) 29 June 2022
Radukanu gave his fans hope of a comeback when he broke Garcia to level the set 3-3, but he immediately left the serve to take the advantage.
Garcia held on calmly for 5-3 and broke the Briton again to claim an impressive victory, ending it with a crosscourt backhand, his 25th winner of the match.
Radukanu’s preparation for her second Wimbledon after riding the story of the fourth round last year was not ideal as she was battling a side strain that limited her court time.
His early win over tough Belgian Alisson van Uytvanck had raised hopes, but Garcia, a more dangerous opponent, offered a harsh reality check.
“I was preparing really well for this match,” Garcia said of her first appearance on Center Court.
“Emma is a big player and in her home tournament and she proved she can do very well on the big stage. It’s fitting that they support Emma and of course it’s a great memory for me and always will.” Like it’s a great honor.”
Other important results:
Muguruza crashed
Former champion Garbine Muguruza became the latest high-profile player to be out of the women’s draw after being beaten 6-4, 6-0 by unseeded Greet Minon.
OSTAPENKO Eases Past Wikmere
Former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko defeated Belgium’s Yanina Wikmayer to register a 6-2, 6-2 victory in the third round.
Djokovic reaches third round
Top seed Novak Djokovic defeated Thanasi Kokinakis of Australia 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to enter the third round.
Third seed Roode knocked out
France’s Ugo Humbert defeated third seed Casper Rood of Norway 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 in the second round.