Emma Raducanu marked her return to Wimbledon with a hard-fought first-round victory over Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua. The 21-year-old Briton, who missed last year’s tournament due to injury, secured a 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 win on Centre Court, using England’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie as motivation.
“I was nervous, I think everyone could see that in my tennis, but at the end of the day you have to do whatever it takes to get over the line,” said the 135th-ranked Raducanu, who was given a wildcard entry. “Honestly, watching the football last night, it was winning ugly – it all counts,” she said.
Initially set to face 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, Raducanu found herself playing Zarazua after the Russian withdrew due to illness. This required a quick adjustment for Raducanu, who praised the support from the crowd in crucial moments.
“For the past three days, I’ve been playing and setting up practice for similar opponents and then it is a change of plan,” said Raducanu. “It took a little bit of adjusting and finding my feet. But I’d like to thank everyone for their support in the crucial moments. I enjoyed playing back here.”
Expressing joy at competing again, Raducanu said, “I said I’d be over the moon if I won my first round here – and I really am. I feel the joy to be on site, the joy to be part of the buzz. I’m really just enjoying myself.”
Raducanu will face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the next round as Wimbledon continues.
British Success Continues
Following Raducanu’s victory, British number four Lily Miyazaki also advanced to the second round with a 6-2 6-1 win over Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch. Miyazaki, who moved to London at age 10 and began playing for Britain in 2022, secured her first Wimbledon main-draw victory and will next face 14th seed Daria Kasatkina.
“It’s one of the best wins of my career,” said Miyazaki, highlighting the significance of the £93,000 prize for reaching the second round.
Qualifier Sonay Kartal achieved a stunning 3-6 6-2 6-0 victory over 29th seed Sorana Cirstea. The 22-year-old Londoner, who had never won a match on the WTA Tour before, celebrated her greatest career win following significant health issues earlier this year.
“I won’t disclose what it was, but I didn’t think I would be back potentially at all this year,” Kartal said. “Getting a first win at any Slam, and to have it at Wimbledon, makes it extra special.”
Challenges for Other British Players
Heather Watson, playing first on Court 18, lost 7-5 6-4 to Belgium’s Greet Minnen, who is also her doubles partner. Charles Broom, on his main-draw debut at a major, was defeated 6-3 7-5 6-4 by three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka. Broom, given a wildcard after reaching the Nottingham Open final, struggled to maintain his lead in the second set.
Arthur Fery led twice before losing 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 1-6 6-3 6-1 to German Daniel Altmaier. The 21-year-old, raised near the All England Club, received treatment from the physio during the match.
Liam Broady, who suffered a concussion last month, valiantly lost 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-2 to Dutch former world number 22 Botic van de Zandschulp. Despite migraines and a previous ankle injury, Broady expressed relief at being able to compete.
“I felt well enough to play. I’m glad I did. I am pleased I got through the match and managed to find some semblance of the tennis I know I can play,” he said.
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