Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and World No. 6, and Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and World No. 38, shared a high-intensity practice session on Centre Court on June 27, 2025, as part of their preparations for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, starting June 30. The session, reported by *Express.co.uk* and captured in clips shared by @WTA_insider on X, saw Rybakina’s powerful baseline game push Raducanu, who was tested defensively while managing a lingering back injury. The practice, described as a “battle” by *The Independent*, highlighted their contrasting styles, with Raducanu noting, “It was tough, but exactly what I needed to feel the pace,” per *BBC Sport*.
Rybakina, who opens against qualifier Elsa Jacquemot, could face Raducanu in the third round if both advance past their early matches, per *Sky Sports*. Raducanu, a wildcard, starts against Mingge Xu, with 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova or No. 32 McCartney Kessler next, per *The Guardian*. The practice session, overseen by Raducanu’s coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday, focused on grass-court adjustments, with Rybakina’s serve and forehand dominating rallies, per *tennis365.com*. Raducanu, still managing back spasms with acupuncture and taping, showed resilience, incorporating creative shot-making inspired by her goal to rediscover joy, as she told *The Times* on June 27.
The session drew attention for its intensity, with fans on X, like @TennisFanUK, calling it “a preview of a potential blockbuster.” Rybakina, who withdrew from Eastbourne due to a thigh injury, appeared in top form, while Raducanu’s ability to hang in rallies boosted her confidence despite her 4-6, 1-6, 7-6(4) Eastbourne loss to Maya Joint, per *The Standard*. As both players eye deep Wimbledon runs—Rybakina aiming to reclaim the title and Raducanu seeking to surpass her 2021 and 2024 fourth-round finishes—their practice underscores their readiness for a competitive tournament.
