Emma Raducanu, the British hope, is thrilled to be back on the Wimbledon court after missing last year’s tournament due to injury. The 2021 US Open champion, whose career skyrocketed after her surprise win, has faced a series of setbacks in recent years.
Last year, Raducanu was forced to sit out Wimbledon following surgery on her hands and ankle. She found herself on the other side of the court, attending hospitality events and witnessing her peers compete. The experience, she admits, was tough.
“I’m very happy to be back here. I think I’ve missed this tournament so much,” Raducanu told reporters. “Last year, I was actually on the other side doing a lot of suite visits, hospitality. It was really hard because you would walk through the same player tunnel, see your peers going to practice, going to play their match. “I think being on the other side just really stung. It wasn’t nice and I didn’t really watch any of the tennis either. For me to be on this side of it this year is just super special. Just so happy to be out on the grass.”
The 21-year-old, now ranked 168th in the world, received a wildcard entry to this year’s tournament. She arrives in London feeling fit and confident after a strong showing at Eastbourne, where she reached the quarterfinals.
“I would say this preparation has worked out really well. I got a great balance between matches, but also staying fresh and not playing too much,” Raducanu said. “I think the Eastbourne week, it was really helpful in getting some top-level matches, and also to get a really good win in the second round. Yeah, my best win to date. I think I should take a lot of confidence from that.”
On Monday, she will face a tough opponent in Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 22nd-ranked player who reached the fourth round last year. While Raducanu acknowledges Alexandrova’s strength, she is determined to make her mark on Centre Court.
“I think it’s a tough match,” she said. “I think that she’s got great weapons. On this surface, on grass, it only amplifies big weapons. I’m actually the complete underdog because she’s a lot older, a lot more experienced, ranked a lot higher.”
Raducanu reached the fourth round in her Wimbledon debut in 2021 and the second round in 2022. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and determined to make a strong comeback this year.
