Home favorite Emma Raducanu could be forgiven for thinking that someone placed a curse on her the night she stormed to the 2021 US Open title. Since then, not only has the 22-year-old been hampered by a litany of injuries that a late-career veteran would be unlucky to suffer, but she has had to deal with invasions in her personal life – both at home and, more depressingly, on court.
On top of this, she seems to be getting the rough end of the stick when it comes to Grand Slam draws. Vanquished by Iga Swiatek in both Australia and France, at SW19 she faces 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the Round of 64 Wednesday. The prize for victory? A third-round clash with the World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who has likely never been more pumped up to win a tournament in her life.
Raducana Finding Comfort in the Familiar
After her first-round win over compatriot Mingge Xu, she was quick to lavish praise on coach Mark Petchey. The result of having Petchey in her corner, along with the return of her childhood coach Nick Cavaday, seems to be affording her some continuity and comfort to relax, in both her game and personal expectations.
She also has the vociferous and protective support of the Wimbledon crowd behind her. They seem to embrace the human story with Raducanu, more so than with most home-grown players. They know what she is capable of, but they are supportive of her regardless the result, likely aware that the struggles she has endured since that US Open win could well have been enough for most players to sink beneath the surface of the game entirely.
A Day To Enjoy, Not Endure
With her win at the Berlin Open, Vondrousova proved she can defeat anyone standing in her path. For the former champion, it’s the perfect time to rediscover her best form.
Despite this, Raducanu can go out Wednesday and play without the lead weight of expectation around her shoulders. If she loses, she can return to her support network and carry on her journey with no massive regrets. If she wins, then it’s likely to be Sabalenka next. Who needs good luck, anyway?
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
