Winning a Grand Slam is the pinnacle of a tennis player’s career but Emma Raducanu also places her Center Court debut at Wimbledon high on the list.
It was at Wimbledon last year where Raducanu achieved her first major breakthrough. Capitalizing on a wildcard opportunity, she stunned the tournament by reaching the fourth round. Becoming the youngest British woman in the Open Era to do so. However, her fairytale run came to a somber end when she was forced to retire during her last 16 matches against Ajla Tomljanovic due to breathing issues, partly brought on by anxiety.
A year later and taking to Center Court for the first time in her career on Monday, the 10th seed looked in impressive form during her 6-4, 6-4, dismissal of Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck. A player who has been in form on the grass after reaching the quarter-finals in s-Hertogenbosch and winning a WTA 125 event in Italy earlier this season. The performance saw her win 65% of her first service points and produce a total of 12 winners.
“From the moment I walked out through those gates, I could really just feel the energy and the support and everyone was behind me from the word ‘go’,” Raducanu said during her press conference.
“I just really tried to cherish every single point on there. I played every point like it could have been one of my last on that court.”
“To play on Center Court and get a win for the first time, it’s amazing. Now every time I go back, I’m just going to have a great first experience. That always helps.”
The first round victory provides Rducanu and her team a sense of relief after what has been a difficult build-up. A side strain injury forced her out of the Nottingham Open a couple of weeks ago and ended her chance to play Tour matches on the grass before Wimbledon.
However, the 19-year-old insists that a lack of match play doesn’t really affect her and the biggest issue is more to do with the mental side of her game. Coming into this week she had won only eight out of 19 matches played. Although she has had to contend with various issues such as back pain and blisters.
“My preparation wasn’t necessarily the greatest,” she admits. “But I know that when it comes to the matches, I feel like I really especially switch on. I don’t feel like I need a massive amount of preparation. Of course, I have to build physically.”
“I think a lot of it is mental, and I definitely went out with the belief today. I know that I can compete with anyone on the other side of the court when I really go for it.”
As her confidence surges, so does Raducanu’s hunger for another deep run at a major tournament. This year’s Wimbledon is only her fifth Grand Slam main draw. Last year at the US Open she created history by coming through qualifying to lift the title.
“Big matches and big occasions are the ones that I really sort of get the most fired up for. It’s definitely a different feeling. I love playing on the big stages, on big occasions.” Raducanu states.
“Instead of, like, shying away from it, I really thrive in that.”
Whilst conducting her press duties at The All England Club Raducanu was wearing a polo shirt bearing the logo of Rafael Nadal. It was by no means a coincidence.
“I think Rafa just embodies fight, that sort of energy. That’s what I’m bringing in. In terms of energy-wise, I think that I have had a tough year it’s no secret. It is all worth it just to go out on Center Court and get a win like that.” She said.
“I definitely am very happy to be here. All the lessons I’ve taken from the last year will only hold me in good stead for the future.”
Raducanu will play Caroline Garcia in the second round.
