Day Four: Move over Murray, a star is born and she’s a Londoner, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Ms Emma Raducanu
Day four saw an emerging British talent, that, at just 18, has the talent and charisma to be the best that the UK has produced since Andy Murray.
Born in Canada to a Romanian father and Chinese mother Emma Raducanu grew up in South London, lifting a racket for the first time at Bromley Tennis Club.
A few top spins and cross-court forehands late, and she is was offered a wildcard entry into the Wimbledon main draw.
With steely determination, Raducanu has not let down the All England Club, her parents, or most importantly herself as two straights set victories later, she is into the third round in the Championships, most tellingly, the last surviving British female entry in the singles.
Much will be said bout her finishing her A-levels in April, but it’s her victories over the Russian Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round and today against Czech player Marketa Vondrousova that is far more important to her and the sport.
Having only earned about £28,000 in her fledgling season as a professional, she has already amassed £115,000 for reaching the third round at SW19.
She is ranked 338 in the world and will face Sorana Cirstea in the next round.
Raducanu said after her 6-2, 6-4 victory over the world number 44: “Just to be able to be at the championships, I feel like I’m on a holiday.
“It’s unbelievable. I just want to stay here for as long as I can.
“I think from a young age, my parents always drilled into me that my attitude was the most important thing, and it’s either going to make or break my career,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Now I’m the one who is leading that and I find that’s the best way I cope with those pressured situations.”
Picture – Emma Raducanu – Photo: AELTC/David Gray