Emma Raducanu has been handed an enormous increase earlier than even taking to Centre Courtroom at Wimbledon after her first spherical opponent withdrew via sickness.
World No 22 Ekaterina Alexandrova represented an actual take a look at for Raducanu, who has regarded a lot improved on the grass in current weeks.
Whereas the British hopeful must be cautious of underestimating fortunate loser Renata Zarazua, who reached the primary spherical after two two wins in qualifying – however there isn’t any denying Raducanu will now go into her opening match because the favorite.
Zarazua is 18-18 on the year-to-date and has an actual alternative forward of her to announce herself on the WTA Tour, having solely gained one match at a Grand Slam beforehand. This may even be her Wimbledon debut
Raducanu missed the 2023 version of Wimbledon as she recovered from surgical procedure and arrived again right here rejuvenated and with a smile again on her face.
As one in every of 19 Brits within the singles draw, Raducanu appeared in relaxed temper on Sunday as she received some apply in whereas carrying an England soccer shirt.
The 21-year-old celebrated on the eve of the match by watching the Three Lions win within the European Championship. Now she is seeking to safe a roaring win of her personal on Centre Courtroom right this moment.
‘I’d like to be part of it,’ she stated. ‘It is simply a tremendous summer season of sport. It is soccer, it is F1, it is tennis, the races. I have been saying that every single day on web site proper now at Wimbledon is a blessing.
‘I really feel much more comfy this yr. There’s loads much less happening. There’s loads much less stress or chaos.
‘I am extra simply coming right here, doing my apply, taking part in the match. Like there’s not there’s not a lot else to it, whereas in 2022 I used to be in an enormous rush.’