Emma Raducanu has had a winning start to her Wimbledon campaign – a year after she burst onto the tennis scene at SW19.
The British number one and the defending US Open champion successfully overcame Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in consecutive sets on her Center Court debut.
The 19-year-old star, who has been racing against time to stay fit after suffering a muscle strain earlier this month, won the first round 6-4 6-4.
British teammate Andy Murray, two-time Wimbledon champion, is next on Center Court, facing Australian James Duckworth.
Live updates as Murray in action
Raducanu beat Alison Van Uytvanck in round one
In her on-court interview, the 10th seed Raducanu “I know Alison is a very tricky opponent, she has had great results on the pitch.
“I played her last summer and on the pitch, where the ball is so low, it’s very difficult to neutralize such great serves.
“I’m extremely happy to have made it through that game and look forward to playing against you again.”
Of the support she’s received, the British teenager, who is ranked 11th in the world, said: “I’ve felt it since I entered the training ground, the people behind me go,” Emma you’ve said. have this.” And I said, “Yeah, I have this”.
“I’d be happy to stay another day.”
Andy Murray faces Australian James Duckworth at Wimbledon
Raducanu had his first set against the dangerous world number 46, who kicked off with two wins in the second division on grass.
In a match without consistent quality but with moments of drama, Raducanu also conceded the Belgian in the second set to take a 5-4 lead before a powerful serve to take his place in the second half. two.
Raducanu will next face Carolina Garcia, who defeated England’s Yuriko Miyazaki 4-6 6-1 7-6 (10-4).
Also in the first round, England’s Jodie Burrage came to help a football boy who fell ill during the loss to Lesia Tsurenko.
The youngster got on her feet early in the second set as she lost 6-2 6-3 and the 23-year-old attended with him, delivering an energy gel from her pocket and drinks.
The ball boy was later treated by paramedics and confined to a wheelchair.
The loss saw Burrage, whose impressive form on the eve of Wimbledon helped her climb to the top 150, becoming the first Briton to lose at this year’s tournament.
As a wildcard in 2021, Raducanu reached the fourth round of the tournament before retiring due to shortness of breath.
This year, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian tennis players in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move means that stars including male world number one Daniil Medvedev and female number five Aryna Sabalenka will not run.
