Tim Henman had predicted on Saturday that Emma Raducanu may make it to the second week of Wimbledon. However, Raducanu downplayed her chances, stating that she is a “total underdog” to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova in tomorrow’s first round on Centre Court.
The 21-year-old British player is making her All England Club debut after missing the event in 2022 while recovering from an injury.
Despite downplaying her chances of a lengthy run during the next two weeks, Raducanu did admit that she is ready for a “scalp” when she faces Russian 22nd seed Alexandrova.
Raducanu, currently ranked 168 in the world, stated, “It’s a match where I’m actually the full underdog because she’s a lot older, a lot more experienced, and rated a lot higher.”
“I see it as a wonderful opportunity to try to get back into the game, enjoy playing the way I have been playing the last few weeks, and attempt to get a solid scalp.” She has excellent weaponry. It only makes large weapons more powerful on this terrain, on grass. I anticipate a really challenging match.
The former US Open champion feels at ease and working with Nick Cavaday, her childhood coach.
Emma Raducanu will take the court for her first Wimbledon match in the past two years.
“I would be ecstatic if I made it through my first round.” I suppose Tim has bigger expectations.
“I feel really good about my body.” Last week, I was able to participate in three excellent games and emerge from them physically unharmed. I’m in a great spot right now.
“Last year, I worked hard towards the end of the year to get well and get back.” I have carried out that work all year long. Nothing raises questions.
“For a tournament like Wimbledon, you’ll push your body, you’ll push your recovery to the limit, you’ll take the consequences that come after or during, whatever you have to do,” she continued, referring to Andy Murray, who resumed practice on Saturday, one week after undergoing back surgery.
