Emma Raducanu explains how Carlos Alcaraz is helping her as she eyes Wimbledon glory

Emma Raducanu is on a roll again at a Grand Slam and the British star has credited Carlos Alcaraz for boosting her form. In a statement performance, Raducanu took apart the Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday, winning 6-2 6-3 under the roof on Centre Court.

It’s the first time the 21-year-old has reached the last-16 at Wimbledon since her debut at the tournament three years ago.

Indeed, prior to arriving at SW19 this summer, Raducanu had not got past the second round of a Slam event since her incredible US Open triumph back in September 2021.

But she was made to wait for her opportunity to excel against Sakkari in front of a noisy home crowd, not walking out on court until around 5.45pm. That’s after the match beforehand, Alcaraz vs Frances Tiafoe, went the distance with the reigning men’s champion eventually coming through a five-set thriller.

Alcaraz was made to fight for four hours by the American before eventually prevailing 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2. But rather than be perturbed by the delay, Raducanu insisted being made to wait provided more inspiration than frustration.

“The Carlos versus Frances Tiafoe match was such amazing tennis, just very fun to watch,” Raducanu said after her win. “The last couple matches I’ve been following Carlos, and it’s just good to watch before the match.”

Raducanu’s second round win over Elise Mertens on Court No.1 came immediately after Alcaraz beating Aleksandar Vukic, and the British No.3 claimed she had even sought to copy the play of the Spaniard. “Sometimes in certain moments you in a way try to emulate certain shots or whatever,” she added.

Since her very own fairytale of New York at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu has been plagued by form and fitness struggles. But the world No.92, who was handed a wildcard for this tournament, suddenly appears to be playing with the freedom and confidence that signified her surreal breakthrough season.

"Today was really up there with the most fun I’ve had on a tennis court," she said. “I was telling myself, 'how many times in your life are you going to play in front of a full Centre Court?'"

And she’ll now be targeting a first ever quarter-final at her home Slam. Raducanu takes on the unseeded New Zealander Lulu Sun on Saturday, with the 23-year-old having proved a surprise package thus far in her first Wimbledon tournament.

Prior to that though, Raducanu is set for another big occasion, teaming with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles today to face Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai. It could be the Scottish icon’s last ever match at Wimbledon, with the clash due at around 6pm on Court No.1.