Emma Raducanu sent a heartfelt message to the home crowd after starting her Wimbledon campaign with a 6-4 6-4 win over the in-form Alison Van Uytvanck. The 10th seed had played just 33 minutes of grass court tennis as she picked up an injury ahead of the tournament and spoke about overcoming the “tough times” to return to her home Grand Slam.
Raducanu returned to Wimbledon as the 10th seed and US Open champion a year after making her Grand Slam debut at the All England Club as a wildcard when she was ranked forn at world No 338. Despite her new status as a top player, the Bromley teenager was in doubt to even make a reappearance at SW19 after retiring injured after seven games in her only grass match of the year in Nottingham.
She raised even more injury fears when she failed to take a wildcard into Eastbourne last week and cancelled a practice session with Garbine Muguruza at the weekend but fans need not have panicked as the British No 1 made her Centre Court debut on the opening day of The Championships, beating Van Uytvanck in straight sets.
After her 6-4 6-4 win, the home favourite thanked the fans with a heartfelt message. “I mean I felt the support the minute I walked out of those doors,” she beamed in her on-court interview.
JUST IN: Nadal and Berrettini warned over underestimating ‘rusty’ Djokovic
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
