Ajla Tomljanovic ends Emma Raducanu's dream Wimbledon run
The 18-year-old was forced to retire down 6-4, 3-0 due to breathing difficulty, sending the Aussie to her first major quarterfinal.
In what has turned out to be her best-ever major performance, Ajla Tomljanovic put an end to Emma Raducanu’s dream Wimbledon run, 6-4, 3-0 ret. The 18-year-old, who appeared to have difficulty breathing during the 3-0 changeover, went to the locker room and did not return. The physio came out to tell the chair umpire that Raducanu would not be able to finish the match.
“I’m actually really kind of shocked; it’s so bittersweet because [Emma] must be really hurt if she came to the decision to retire,” Tomljanovic said after the match. “To play as a Brit at home is unbelievable and I’m really sorry for her, I wish we could have finished it but it’s sport and it happens and I am wishing her all the best.”
It was a nervy match from the start, as both players exchanged service holds until 5-4 in the opening set. The tenth game began ominously for Raducanu, who missed a sitter forehand up 15-0 that would eventually cost her; Tomjanovic ultimately secured the break and the set after a lengthy deuce game.
“I think towards the end of the first set we started playing some really good tennis and I felt like I found my groove,” Tomljanovic added.
Playing in her first major quarterfinal, the world no. 75 will face off against fellow Aussie and world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty on Tuesday for a spot in the semifinal.
The all-Aussie encounter is the first at Wimbledon in 41 years, when Evonne Goolagong met Wendy Turnbull back in 1980.
“I think everyone back home is really happy. I am thrilled to play Ash, I think it will be a great match.”