Emma Raducanu should have breathed a sigh of aid when she found that her opponent within the first spherical of Wimbledon was not No.22 Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Russian, stopped by a virus, was pressured to withdraw and her place on the Centre Court of the All England Membership was taken by the fortunate loser Mexican Renata Zarazua. Emma beat her rival in straight units 7-6(0) 6-3, thus acquiring the eighth first spherical victory in 9 Slams performed. Within the second spherical, the younger British participant will face the Belgian Elise Mertens, who defeated the Japanese Nao Hibino in three units.
Within the post-match media interview, the previous US Open winner defined that each match she wins is one thing to rejoice, underlining how she is having fun with teh Championships ambiance.
“I feel each match I win must be celebrated quite a bit. For me, as a result of I understand how arduous it’s to win matches, how arduous it’s to get them. Now that I’ve a couple of wins beneath my belt, I cherish each single match as a result of I understand how arduous it’s to be on the opposite aspect. So far as outcomes go, I’ve no expectations. I simply have expectations to actually put myself on the market and struggle and never let any expectations have an effect on me. Once more, I cherish each single match as a result of I understand how arduous it’s to be on the opposite aspect. As I mentioned within the first press convention, I’d be over the moon if I gained my first spherical right here. And I actually am. I simply really feel the enjoyment of being there, the enjoyment of being a part of the joy. I am actually having fun with it,” she mentioned.
The media within the press room then requested Emma what she has discovered from Andy Murray’s instance.
“The most important factor for me was when he misplaced the Wimbledon ultimate and got here again a month later to win the Olympics. To undergo six actually powerful rounds after which lose within the ultimate, then play a month later and be within the ultimate once more, your thoughts goes right into a déjà vu situation earlier than you understand it, like, okay, I made it to the ultimate. It is very arduous to rule that out. And that is type of why I am so grateful to have gained the US Open. As a result of to get to the ultimate and never win it, you are at all times going to be like, am I ever going to do that? For me, I’ve achieved it now. I suppose you are simply loving life,” she defined.
Raducanu d. Zarazua 7-6(0) 6-3
It’s been 2 years since Emma final performed right here
However she by no means stopped dreaming & working to be again on this court docket
3 surgical procedures & 737 days later… she’s again with a triumph
✅1st win at Wimbledon since 2022
The wait was lengthy, however so price it.
🇬🇧❤️ pic.twitter.com/O6U0Pd38W2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 1, 2024
We recall Raducanu, who right this moment is No.168 within the WTA world rating, is within the draw because of a wild card granted to her by the boards of the London Main. On the eve of the event, on media day, she mentioned:
“I am very grateful to have the chance and the wild card to compete right here. I have not had any accidents not too long ago. I’ve lots of confidence in my physique. I have been capable of play three high-level matches within the final week and I’ve come out of it bodily unhurt. I feel I am in superb type. Final yr I labored quite a bit on the finish of the season to come back again wholesome and with none discomfort, and that is a piece that I’ve continued this yr, I really feel superb bodily, for sure my preparation for Wimbledon is working. I’ve discovered stability between the quantity of matches I play and being bodily recent. The week in Eastbourne helped me to play high-level matches, get an amazing win within the second spherical and acquire lots of confidence. While you overdo it, it’s extremely simple to get injured once more. That is one thing I’ve discovered. Clearly it may be tough. I feel she has some implausible pictures. On this floor, it’s extremely harmful. I anticipate a really tough match. If I can get previous the primary spherical, I will be over the moon.”
Emma Raducanu after getting 1st win at Wimbledon since 2022:
“You need to simply do what it takes to recover from the road. Actually watching the soccer final night time, it was like successful ugly. All of it counts!”😂
*digicam pans over to David Beckham*
Cinema. 🏴
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 1, 2024
