Emma Raducanu saves match point, holds off Jessica Pegula for first Top 10 win in Eastbourne

If ever there was a scenic route to a maiden Top 10 victory, Emma Raducanu took it Wednesday with a statement win at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne.

Facing last Sunday’s Berlin champion Jessica Pegula, Raducanu battled past the No. 2 seed, 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-5, to join countrywomen Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart in the quarterfinals.

“Pretty drained right now,” admitted Raducanu as she began her on-court interview.

The 2021 US Open winner needed to save a match point in the second set tie-break, where she won three consecutive points to force a decider.

Raducanu then fought through a rollercoaster final set that required her to serve for the contest three times. The wild card recovered from 0-40 down in the final game, saving four break points in total to close out the victory after two hours and 44 minutes.

“It’s incredibly difficult when you’re playing someone who’s so in form like Jessica. No doubt she’s feeling confident on the grass,” said Raducanu. “I’m really pleased with how I managed to navigate against really tough situations. I didn’t think, to be honest, that I’d be able to get myself out of it.

“I’d say this match is one of the more meaningful ones to me.”

The 22-year-old has now taken down successive American opponents, following her 6-4, 6-0 win over Sloane Stephens. For a semifinal spot, Raducanu meets Daria Kasatkina. The sixth seed also needed to turn the tables, rallying for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 win over Yuan Yue.

Boulter continued her notable grass swing by upstaging fifth seed Jelena Ostapenko, 6-4, 7-5. Boulter, who retained her Nottingham crown 10 days ago, converted five of 18 break points to eliminate the 2021 champion. French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini awaits, as the No. 3 seed led Elise Mertens, 5-2, before the Belgian retired with a hip problem.

Karolina Muchova added another victory in her return from right wrist surgery. The Czech eased past Magda Linette, 6-4, 6-1, for a clash with reigning title holder Madison Keys. The fourth seed defeated Anhelina Kalinina, 7-6 (5), 6-1.

Wild card Dart overcame lucky loser Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-0. The London native looks to extend her run against Leylah Fernandez. The left-hander rolled, 6-2, 6-1, against Ashlyn Krueger.