Wimbledon: Teenage Raducanu makes British history as Coco Gauff reaches fourth round

EMMA Raducanu’s spectacular Wimbledon debut continued on Saturday as the teenager stunned Sorana Cirstea to become the youngest British woman to reach the last 16 in the Open Era.

Raducanu, who has been known as a serious talent within the British game for many years, had already swept past qualifier Vitalia Diatchenko and former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova to reach the third round without dropping a set.

The 18-year-old stayed in school to complete A levels in maths and economics, only finishing a couple of months ago, and playing on the biggest stage of her career so far on Court One, she handled the occasion in impeccable fashion.

Taking on the world No 45, who knocked out Victoria Azarenka in the previous round, Raducanu produced a sparkling attacking display, fighting spirit and tenacity, claiming the win on her third match point.

Raducanu next faces a very winnable fourth-round clash against Ajla Tomljanovic on Monday, which will surely be played on Centre Court.

The Australian world No 75 upset former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 4-6 6-4 6-2.

American teenager Coco Gauff matched her feat of reaching the second week on her debut two years ago.

The 17-year-old, who beat Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round in 2019, swept past Slovenian Kaja Juvan 6-3 6-3 on Centre Court.

“I think definitely coming in today I wasn’t as nervous as in my second round,” said Gauff.

“It’s a good feeling to be on this court and I’m super honoured the tournament lets me play on here. It’s not often a 17-year-old gets to play here.

“The goal is to be here in front of you guys next week, but I’ll just take every match as it comes and enjoy it.”

Sky Sports