Annabel Croft predicts how Emma Raducanu will perform at Wimbledon this year

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Annabel Croft is optimistic that Emma Raducanu can have a strong run at Wimbledon.

The Brit has made an encouraging start to the grass court season with a run to the semifinals at the Nottingham Open.

After competing at the Eastbourne International, the 21-year-old will travel to Wimbledon where she will aim to win her second Grand Slam title.

The Bromley local took some time off after the Madrid Open to prepare for the grass and it is a decision that has paid off so far.

What did Annabel Croft say about Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon chances?

Croft has followed Raducanu’s progress throughout the grass court season and is impressed with what she has seen from the former British number one.

With the player finding her form and playing with nothing to lose with her home crowd behind her, the tennis pundit can see the former US Open champion being a threat at Wimbledon.

“A wild card entry this year, she won the US Open at 18, but injury issues and changes of coach mean she hasn’t had a good run since. She hits the ball so beautifully that she’s not far off challenging some of the world’s best,” Croft told the Radio Times.

“But it’s about gaining momentum with a lot of back-to-back matches to gain confidence from wins. Yet she’s so naturally gifted that I wouldn’t be surprised if she did extremely well.”

How does Emma Raducanu feel about playing at Wimbledon this year?

Raducanu will be playing at Wimbledon for the first time since 2022 when she lost to Caroline Garcia in the second round.

She made the fourth round in her debut campaign back in 2021, just before claiming a stunning US Open win.

Now back playing with a fresh mindset and free of injury, Raducanu is excited to return to the All-England Club. “I’m incredibly excited to get back to Wimbledon,” she told Sky Sports.

“Going back this year I just need to cherish being healthy and able to compete and play in front of the home crowd again and getting in the whites. It’s my favourite place and I’m lucky to have a membership there.”