Emma Raducanu prepares to partner veteran Andy Murray at Wimbledon 2024.
It’s exactly where it all started for Emma Raducanu, with the British crowd instantly falling for her plucky game and cheerful demeanor.
She has made an incredibly fast start at Wimbledon, seeing off lucky loser Renata Zarazua in her opener before dismantling Belgium’s experienced Elise Mertens on Wednesday evening 6-1, 6-2.
The former US Open champion is however now balancing even greater responsibilities, as she prepares to partner two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray in the mixed doubles after his withdrawal from the singles.
How long did it take her to accept Andy Murray’s offer?
A joyous Raducanu paused to take photos with the ball boys and girls after her crushing victory on Court one, before heading in to field a flurry of excited questions.
Speaking in her press conference after the match, via the official Wimbledon website, the 21-year-old explained how she leapt at the chance to partner one of Britain’s all-time sporting greats.
With an instant smile growing she reflected: “I got asked… and literally it was like 10 seconds, I was like yeah. For me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Some things are bigger than just tennis. Some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re gonna have for the rest of your life.
“To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray – those things don’t come by. At the end of my life, at the end of my career, when I’m 70 years old, I know I’m gonna have that memory of playing at Wimbledon with Andy Murray on our home Slam.
“For me, it was an honor to be asked,” the 2021 US Open champion said.
What is Emma Raducanu’s doubles experience?
Raducanu has only ever played one tour-level doubles match in her career and this will be her grand slam debut in the format.
However, an exhibition match at the ‘Battle of the Brits’ in 2020 saw a teenage Raducanu team up with Joe Salisbury as they took on Murray and Jodie Burrage, eventually winning in straight sets.
Raducanu can utilize her return of serve, as well as her unique ability to deal with high-pressure environments and large stages.
While much of her game rotates around her superb ball striking from the back of the court, as demonstrated by the 22 winners she hit during her Mertens demolition, her net game is equally secure whenever called on.
With Murray having previously partnered up with Serena Williams in the mixed event in 2019, the public awaits another spellbinding show as the past and future of British tennis take to the court.
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