Emma Raducanu declared “winning ugly” was all that mattered as she overcame Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua in a challenging first-round battle at Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old Briton, who missed last year’s tournament due to injury, secured a 7-6 (7-0), 6-3 victory on Centre Court. Inspired by England’s dramatic Euro 2024 comeback win over Slovakia, Raducanu pushed through her nerves to get past Zarazua.
“I was nervous, I think everyone could see that in my tennis, but at the end of the day you have to do whatever it takes to get over the line,” said Raducanu, ranked 135th and given a wildcard to participate. “Honestly, watching the football last night, it was winning ugly – it all counts.”
Raducanu was initially set to face 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, expecting to be the “complete underdog.” However, when the Russian withdrew due to illness, Raducanu faced Zarazua instead, requiring her to adjust her game plan quickly.
“For the past three days, I’ve been playing and setting up practice for similar opponents and then it is a change of plan,” Raducanu explained. “It took a little bit of adjusting and finding my feet.”
Despite Zarazua’s efforts, Raducanu’s passion and quality shone through. Zarazua saved a match point on her own serve at 5-2, but Raducanu clinched victory with a superb dash to the net, prompting a backhand error from Zarazua. Raducanu, now set to face Belgium’s Elise Mertens next, expressed her joy in playing again and winning her first-round match at Wimbledon.
British Success Continues with Miyazaki and Kartal
Following Raducanu’s lead, Lily Miyazaki and Sonay Kartal added to the British success. Miyazaki secured her first Wimbledon main-draw victory, defeating Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-2, 6-1, and will face 14th seed Daria Kasatkina next. Born in Japan and now representing Britain, Miyazaki celebrated her achievement and the significant prize money that supports her future career.
Kartal, 22, stunned 29th seed Sorana Cirstea with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory, marking her first WTA Tour win. Overcoming serious health issues earlier this year, Kartal described it as the “greatest and definitely proudest” win of her career.
Disappointments for Watson, Broady, Broom, and Fery
Heather Watson, Charles Broom, Arthur Fery, and Liam Broady all faced first-round exits. Watson lost to Belgium’s Greet Minnen 7-5, 6-4, while Broom was defeated by Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in his major debut. Fery succumbed to Daniel Altmaier 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, and Broady, still recovering from a concussion, fell to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Despite their losses, each player showed resilience and determination in their performances.