The 22-year-old declared after the victory over her rival, 27: “I am really pleased to get through that. I don't think it was my cleanest performance but I am really pleased to push through in the tight moments. I really appreciate the support in that spell when she was coming back.”
Raducanu won in straight sets on Thursday (12.06.25), and is set to reclaim her status as British number one for the first time in two years.
The match, held at the newly renamed Andy Murray Arena in west London, saw Raducanu beat world number 41 Sramkova 6–4, 6–1, in front of a packed crowd.
It marks another step in her return to form following a turbulent 2023 season marred by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Raducanu only needed to match the result of Katie Boulter, 27, to overtake her in the rankings when the WTA updates on Monday.
She is now the last British player remaining in the draw after Boulter and Heather Watson, 32, were both knocked out in the last 16 earlier in the day.
Watson lost 6–4, 6–2 to Elena Rybakina, 25, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, while Boulter was beaten 2–6, 6–3, 6–2 by Diana Shnaider, 20.
Despite facing a lapse in the first set – losing four consecutive games after going 5–0 up – Raducanu closed it out with a love hold.
In the second set, she regained her dominance, breaking serve three times and sealing victory to a huge ovation.
“I came out ready, expecting everything,” she said. “I am just happy I was able to get off to a good start and build a lead.”
Raducanu, who first became British number one after her 2021 US Open triumph, has looked comfortable this week, also competing in doubles alongside Boulter.
After Thursday’s win, she wrote “long live Boultucanu” on the camera lens, a nod to their friendship and on-court partnership.
She credits her improved mindset to the return of former coach Nick Cavaday, now working with Mark Petchey on her team.
“I am feeling more settled,” she has said.
Boulter, who had held the British number one spot since June 2023, acknowledged the shift.
She said: “It's going to be fun for me to chase her now, and I think she's been doing that for a while.
“Now it's kind of my turn.
“I'm very happy for her to be British number one.”
Despite a strong start in her match, Boulter struggled after a rain delay and was broken three times in the final set.
Shnaider will next face Madison Keys, 29, the American second seed and Australian Open champion.
