SABA STAR

Number one sets up showdown with impressive Raducanu

- BY ANDY DUNN

WORLD number one Aryna Sabalenka restored order at Wimbledon by powering her way to a third-round showdown with Emma Raducanu thanks to a thrilling straight-sets win over Marie Bouzkova.

The women's draw was blown wide open on Tuesday when three of the top five players — French Open champion Coco Gauff, world number three Jessica Pegula and Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen — crashed out in a string of first-round shocks.

Last year’s runner-up, Jasmine Paolini, also exited yesterday, the Italian fourth seed saved three match points against Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia, but couldn't save a fourth.

But top seed Sabalenka’s quest for a maiden SW19 title remains on track following a 7-6 (4) 6-4 victory over Czech world number 48 Bouzkova in a big-hitting battle on Centre Court.