She still has a long way to go before the final, but whatever happens from here, this was a crucial victory for the world No. 1.

Aryna Sabalenka was given a real scare but battled her way past Emma Raducanu in front of a raucous Centre Court crowd. The atmosphere was heightened by the closing of the roof and Raducanu provided those in attendance with plenty to get behind, as she went toe-to-toe with the world number one over two hours.