World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka would prefer to face Marketa Vondrousova than Emma Raducanu in round three at Wimbledon. The Belarusian beat Marie Bouzkova in straight sets on Wednesday afternoon to ease into the next round.
And she will be sitting down with her team later today to watch 2021 US Open winner Raducanu take on 2023 Wimbledon champion Vondrousova, which is the final match on Centre Court.
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"We definitely going to watch the match," Sabalenka said. "It's different situation, you know?
"Emma is playing much better tennis since last year, I have to say. She improved. You can see that she's getting back on track. Also facing British at Wimbledon, I'm not sure I prefer that. But she's playing great tennis.
"Marketa is also great player on the grass. We just played in Berlin. Also tough opponent. Both of them are tricky players, tough players to face on grass. So I'm looking forward. Whoever is going to be, I'm ready to go out there and to fight."
Three-time Slam champion Sabalenka is the heavy favourite to win the title at SW19 over the next fortnight. Her chances have been amplified by many top seeds, including Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, being knocked out in round one.
"Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both actually draws, girls' and men's. It's sad to see," Sabalenka explained.
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"Honestly, I'm just trying to focus on myself. Of course, I know about all of these upsets. I think it's really important to focus on yourself and to take it one step at a time, do not really look at the draw. This is something what can create a lot of nerves and a lot of doubts and stuff.
"I'm just trying to take it one step at a time. As I said earlier, I know if I'm focused, if I'm there, if I'm fighting, I know I'm going to have my chance in each match. I'm just trying to take it one step at a time."
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