Friday, July 4 delivered eight memorable women’s matches on the lawns of Wimbledon. The Round 3 action was marked by surprises, tension, and statements of intent — none louder than Laura Siegemund’s stunning dismissal of Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka’s hard-fought win over Emma Raducanu. Here’s the full story from each encounter.
Sabalenka Overcomes Raducanu in High-Stakes Clash
World No. 1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka survived a major scare, beating Britain’s Emma Raducanu (WTA No. 40) 7–6, 6–4. The Belarusian was the clear favorite on paper but knew she would face a dangerous opponent in Raducanu, who thrives on big occasions.
The opening set was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks and refusing to back down. Raducanu impressed with a 74% first-serve percentage, but Sabalenka’s power helped her force a tiebreak. In the breaker, Sabalenka’s big-match experience paid off, and she sealed it 7–6 (8-6).
Raducanu, unseeded but lifted by a roaring home crowd, surged to a 4–1 lead in the second set. Yet Sabalenka’s mental fortitude and superior second serve — winning 57% of points compared to Raducanu’s 41% — proved decisive. The World No. 1 claimed the next five games as Raducanu appeared to tire.
Despite her loss, Raducanu showed signs of the form that brought her the US Open title years ago. Her 22 winners kept Sabalenka honest throughout. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s win underlined why she remains the woman to beat at Wimbledon, even as she acknowledged Raducanu pushed her to the limit.
Aryna Sabalenka now advances to face Elise Mertens as she continues her march toward a maiden Wimbledon crown. Can the Belgian stop her?
Germany’s Siegemund Stuns Keys With Tactical Brilliance
In the upset of the day, German veteran Laura Siegemund (WTA No. 104, unseeded) dismantled Madison Keys (WTA No. 8, seeded) 6–3, 6–3. The American, seen as a legitimate title contender, had no answer to Siegemund’s precision and variety.
Keys started aggressively, relying on her forehand power and serve. But Siegemund’s 69% first-serve accuracy and clever use of slices and net play began to frustrate the American. She took the first set with two decisive breaks of serve.
In the second, Keys attempted to mount a comeback but was undone by 31 unforced errors and a poor second-serve percentage (just 5% points won). Siegemund, by contrast, played almost flawlessly at net — winning 12 of 15 points there — and showed her trademark grit on defense.
The German broke Madison Keys again for a 3-1 lead and consolidated her lead with impressive composure, deflating Keys’ attempts to dictate rallies. Siegemund’s tactical mastery, winning 56% of total points, gave her control from start to finish.
With this win, Siegemund reaches the second week of Wimbledon for the first time in her career — a testament to her longevity and adaptability at 37 years of age.
Anisimova Outlasts Galfi in Three Sets
American Amanda Anisimova (WTA No. 12, seeded) battled past Hungary’s Dalma Galfi (WTA No. 110, unseeded) in a tense 6–3, 5–7, 6–3 encounter. Both players traded momentum in a match lasting 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Anisimova began strongly, taking the first set behind her superior serving game featuring 15 out of 23 points won on first serve. Galfi, however, dug in during the second, matching Anisimova’s first serve efficiency from the first set (67%). A deciding set was needed.
The decider saw Anisimova reassert control, capitalizing on Galfi’s fatigue and string of errors. The American’s serve rating of 257 and higher dominance ratio (1.20) proved critical.
Galfi’s eight aces and superior first-serve percentage (63%) kept her competitive, but her inability to convert key break points in the third cost her dearly. Anisimova’s ability to raise her level in big moments ultimately sealed the win.
This victory moves Amanda Anisimova into the second week of Wimbledon for the first time since 2019, bolstering her confidence as a legitimate contender from her quarter.
Pavlyuchenkova Fights Back to Beat Osaka
Former Roland Garros finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (WTA No. 50, unseeded) overcame Naomi Osaka (WTA No. 53, unseeded) in a 3–6, 6–4, 6–4 comeback win. Despite Osaka hammering down 15 aces, Pavlyuchenkova’s relentless pressure and net dominance carried her through.
Osaka dominated early, capitalizing on Pavlyuchenkova’s slow start and converting her 57% first-serve success rate into the opening set.
But the Russian raised her game in the second, improving her return points won and extending rallies to draw errors. She broke Osaka twice to level the match.
The deciding set showcased Pavlyuchenkova’s tactical prowess. Throughout the game she stormed the net with perfect execution (winning all 13 net points!) and frustrated Osaka’s rhythm.
With 31 winners and superior composure under pressure, Pavlyuchenkova completed the upset and booked her spot in the last 16 — her deepest Wimbledon run since 2016.
Kartal Thrills British Fans in Straight Sets
Britain’s Sonay Kartal (WTA No. 51, unseeded) delighted the home crowd with a clinical 6–4, 6–2 win over France’s Diane Parry (WTA No. 118, unseeded). Kartal maintained her impressive form, dominating with a high 73% first-serve percentage.
The first set saw Kartal edge ahead with steady serving and superior shot selection, breaking Parry at a crucial juncture.
In the second, the Brit unleashed her full arsenal, showcasing improved court coverage and precise angles. Parry, struggling to adjust to Kartal’s aggression, committed 33 unforced errors in total.
Kartal’s efficient use of second serve — winning 71% of those points — stood out. Her ability to control points from the baseline while staying composed under pressure further highlighted her growing maturity.
This marks Kartal’s first appearance in Wimbledon’s second week — a milestone for the promising 22-year-old.
Solana Sierra Sinks Bucsa in Decider
Argentina’s rising star Solana Sierra (WTA No. 101, unseeded) ousted Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (WTA No. 102, unseeded) 7–5, 1–6, 6–1 in a match of shifting momentum.
Sierra took the opening set by capitalizing on Bucsa’s tentative second serve. However, Bucsa stormed back, dominating the second with aggressive returns.
In the decider, Sierra found another gear, blasting 29 winners to regain control and sealing the match confidently.
The Argentine’s 52% of total points won and 46% return games won reflect her ability to impose herself even under pressure.
This breakthrough win sends Sierra into her first-ever Grand Slam Round of 16 — a clear sign she’s one to watch.
Noskova Outduels Rakhimova in Tight Contest
Czech Linda Noskova (WTA No. 27, seeded) defeated Kamilla Rakhimova (WTA No. 80, unseeded) 7–6 (8-6), 7–5 in a hard-fought battle. Noskova’s powerful serving and clutch play underlined why she’s one of the top young players on tour.
Rakhimova started brightly, matching Noskova shot for shot and forcing a first-set tiebreak. But Noskova’s experience and superior serve rating (258) tilted it her way.
In the second, Rakhimova pushed again, but Noskova’s return game tightened, and she capitalized on key errors late in the set.
The Czech’s 29 winners and 75% service games won reflect her clinical edge in crucial moments.
At just 20, Noskova looks increasingly comfortable on the big stage and could be a dark horse in this year’s draw.
Mertens Holds Off Svitolina
Belgium’s Elise Mertens (WTA No. 23, seeded) outclassed Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (WTA No. 13, seeded) 6–1, 7–6. Mertens combined aggressive play with consistency to dispatch her higher-ranked opponent.
Mertens dominated the opening set, using her strong second serve (winning 59% of those points) to neutralize Svitolina’s counterpunching.
Svitolina fought back in the second, extending rallies and forcing a tiebreak, but Mertens’ poise under pressure sealed the straight-set win.
The Belgian’s balanced game — 21 winners to 26 errors and strong return numbers — proved too much for Svitolina. And quite some winning dropshots in this one too.
This result sends Mertens to her first Wimbledon second week since 2019, showcasing her enduring quality on grass.
Final Word
On a day where home hopes pinned on Raducanu ended, Siegemund delivered a tactical masterclass, and Sabalenka reaffirmed her status as the top seed, Wimbledon 2025’s women’s draw continues to thrill and surprise. Stay tuned as the second week promises even more drama on the grass courts of SW19.
Related article: List of all WTA Wimbledon finals since 1968.