Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu ready to “risk everything” on Wednesday

Image source, Getty Images

Legend, Emma Raducanu has never made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon

Author, Bobbie Jackson
Role, BBC sports journalist
2 hours ago

Emma Raducanu has vowed to “give it her all” on Wednesday when she faces Belgian Elise Mertens in the second round of Wimbledon.

Raducanu, 21, skipped the clay courts at Roland Garros to focus on her fitness and preparation for the British grass court season and, so far, the decision appears to have paid off.

The Briton reached the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open and then reached the quarter-finals in Eastbourne, including a win over American world number five Jessica Pegula.

She was due to open her Wimbledon campaign against No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but the Russian withdrew on Monday morning.

Instead, Raducanu faced lucky loser Renata Zarazua and, after struggling through the first set, really found her rhythm in the second to reach the second round with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 victory on Centre Court.

Raducanu has appeared in six Grand Slam events since winning the US Open title in 2021 but has failed to advance beyond the second round.

“In terms of results, I have no expectations,” said Raducanu, who has endured a difficult few years due to wrist and ankle injuries.

“I just expect myself to give my all on the pitch and fight without letting any frustration get to me.”

Raducanu will face her last opponent on Court 1 on Wednesday against Mertens, the 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist.

Who else will play at Wimbledon on Wednesday?

Raducanu is one of three British hopefuls scheduled to compete in the women’s singles on Wednesday, along with Lily Miyazaki And Sonay Kartal also in action.

British number four Miyazaki secured her place in the second round moments after Raducanu wrapped up her victory on Centre Court, beating Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch to claim her first Wimbledon main draw win.

Born in Japan, Miyazaki, who arrived in London at the age of 10, was rewarded with a meeting with No. 14 seed Daria Kasatkina in the final match on Court Three.

Meanwhile, qualifier Kartal, 22, had a tough encounter with No. 29 seed Sorana Cirstea and will face Clara Burel of France in the first match on Court No. 3.

The first opponent on Centre Court is the fifth seed Russian. Daniil Medvedev when he faces the Frenchman Alexandre Muller.

Japan Naomi Osakawho beat Diane Parry on Monday in her first Wimbledon appearance since 2019, follows in a meeting with American 19th seed Emma Navarro.

World number one Jannik the Fishermanwho was a semi-finalist in 2023, will finally face his Italian compatriot Matteo Berrettini.

On Court One, American second seed Coco Gauff faces Romanian Anca Alexia Todoni before the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz – the reigning men’s champion – meets Australian Aleksandar Vukic.