Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon opponent left with egg on her face after press conference

The world No. 9 used her pre-match press conference to remind Raducanu that she was facing a top-10 player ahead of their third-round Wimbledon clash.

But that didn’t bother the Brit, who needed 92 minutes to pull off the upset and beat Sakkari 6-2 6-3.

The 21-year-old now has a 2-0 record against the Greek star after beating her in the US Open semi-final en route to her historic title victory three years ago.

Raducanu also lost only five games in that 2021 meeting, coming through 6-1 6-4. And Sakkari was hoping to settle the score in a long-awaited rematch three years later.

Ahead of the match, the 28-year-old was asked what she made of the opportunity to face a British player on their home turf. But she brushed it off to remind Raducanu that she was the top player with experience on the biggest stages.

“I think the opportunity is for both. She’s also playing a top-10 player. Let’s not forget that,” Sakkari stated. “She’s an unbelievable player. She’s very talented. She’s very promising. Even after winning a Grand Slam, she’s still very young.

“Obviously, she’s going to be the favorite because she’ll be playing [at] home. If anything, that’s normal. But I’m excited. It’s another challenge. That’s why we play tennis. That’s what we play for. It’s going to be pretty exciting. I’m pumped.”

The world No. 9 also shut down suggestions that it would be a big occasion. “It’s a third-round match,” she said. “I’ve never played on Centre, so it’s going to be amazing. I’ve played in big courts. I played on Arthur Ashe. I played in Indian Wells, which is the second biggest court.