Emma Raducanu highlighted the value of relying on her close companions as she gears up for a tough second-round clash against Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 winner at Wimbledon.
Raducanu secured her place in the second round on Monday with a steady 6-3, 6-3 victory over British wildcard Mimi Xu, aged 17. Reflecting on the encouragement she has received at the All England Club, she said, “At Wimbledon, it’s especially meaningful. I had great friends in the stands,” before listing a few names. “Having them all here this week, the way things came together—it means so much when I see them there. It truly makes me happy.”
Following her win, Raducanu shared how touching it was to briefly reconnect with those closest to her, a stark contrast to her usual solo routine during much of the tennis season. “Hugely,” she said. “Right after the match, I just stepped out to see them for five or 10 minutes and chat. That kind of moment is so rare—you don’t get that at other tournaments because my friends don’t usually travel with me. They have their own lives. I have friends in other cities, but having my closest ones here means a lot.”
The 22-year-old is accompanied at Wimbledon by her coach, Mark Petchey, and former player Jane O’Donoghue, who provides guidance like an older sister. With her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, unavailable due to personal reasons, Raducanu has been working with Ian Aylward, a strength and conditioning specialist from the LTA, along with other fitness staff from the British tennis organization.
She will need all their backing as she takes on an in-form Vondrousova, a formidable second-round opponent. Two years ago, the Czech player delivered one of the most unexpected title campaigns in Wimbledon’s history. A French Open finalist at 19 in 2019 and a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, Vondrousova has faced serious injuries throughout her career. After multiple wrist surgeries, she underwent left shoulder surgery in 2023 following her Wimbledon triumph.
Despite her difficulties maintaining consistency on the tour, she has demonstrated her skill during healthier stretches. Just nine days ago, Vondrousova claimed the Berlin Open WTA 500 title with commanding wins over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Australian Open champion Madison Keys. A smart and versatile left-handed player, Vondrousova uses an array of shots to outwit opponents. The 26-year-old has beaten Raducanu in their last two meetings, including a straight-sets win in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. However, Raducanu prevailed when they met at Wimbledon in 2021 during her breakout run.
“I remember watching her reach the French Open final when I was younger,” Raducanu said. “She was so young then. Always seemed way ahead of me.”
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