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Emma Raducanu says she’s seen a change in her game ahead of Wimbledon which hasn’t happened for years

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA
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Emma Raducanu is delighted to have reignited her love for tennis ahead of playing at Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old has not played at the All-England Club since a second round loss to Caroline Garcia in 2022.

She has had a tough year since returning from double wrist and ankle surgery in 2023, but the former British number is ready to launch another campaign at SW19 and go in pursuit of her second Grand Slam title.

More importantly, Raducanu is in a better place mentally and feels more comfortable on the court ahead of tennis’ biggest tournament.

How has Emma Raducanu assessed her game ahead of Wimbledon?

Raducanu skipped the French Open qualifiers to spend more time preparing for the grass court season.

The 2021 US Open champion said she felt exhausted after losing to María Lourdes Carlé in Madrid and tok some out to recharge her batteries and prepare to return to a surface she loves.

Following a run to the Nottingham Open semi-finals, Raducanu expressed the joy she feels about playing tennis once again.

“I’m very happy to have rekindled the love for tennis and just enjoying the challenges that come with it and not getting so down about it,” she told BBC Sport.

“I would say right before Nottingham it happened. I’m just really grateful to have this feeling again because it’s something that I feel like I’ve been missing in a way for the last few years, and I haven’t felt this good about my tennis and excited about it and passionate for a long, long time.”

Rothesay Open Nottingham - Day Two
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA

Who does Emma Raducanu play next?

Before commencing her third Wimbledon campaign Raducanu will compete at the WTA’s Eastbourne International.

She will be keen to build on her run to the semi-finals in Nottingham where she was beaten by compatriot and eventual champion Katie Boulter.

The Bromley local will start the Eastbourne tournament against Sloane Stephens, who has struggled for form since winning the Open de Rouen in April.

The pair have played just once before, in the opening round of the 2022 Australian Open.

In what was her first Grand Slam match after winning the US Open, Raducanu claimed a 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 win and she will be eager to maintain her unbeaten record against the American.