LONDON — British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu delivered a dominant performance in her opening-round match at Wimbledon, defeating compatriot Mimi Xu 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets. The 21-year-old, who has been working with coach Nick Cavaday since December, praised his influence after the match, giving him a perfect "11 out of 10" for his guidance.
Raducanu's Commanding Start at SW19
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, looked sharp from the outset, showcasing her trademark aggressive baseline play and improved serve. The British No. 1 broke Xu’s serve early in both sets, capitalizing on her opponent’s unforced errors. "I felt really good out there today," Raducanu said in her post-match interview. "Mimi is a talented player, but I stuck to my game plan and executed well."
Xu, a 17-year-old wildcard entry, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency against Raducanu’s relentless pressure. The match, played on Court No. 1, lasted just over an hour, with Raducanu sealing victory with a powerful cross-court forehand.
Praise for Coach Nick Cavaday
Raducanu’s partnership with Cavaday has been a focal point of her resurgence this season. The former junior coach, who previously worked with Raducanu during her teenage years, rejoined her team late last year. "Nick has been incredible," Raducanu said. "He understands my game, keeps me calm, and pushes me in the right ways. I’d give him an 11 out of 10."
Cavaday’s impact has been evident in Raducanu’s improved fitness and tactical discipline. Key adjustments under his guidance include:
- Strengthening her second serve to reduce double faults
- Enhancing her net play to capitalize on shorter balls
- Refining her movement to better handle defensive situations
A Renewed Focus on Consistency
After a turbulent 2023 marred by injuries and coaching changes, Raducanu has emphasized stability in 2024. "Last year was tough, but I’ve learned so much," she admitted. "Now, it’s about building momentum and staying healthy."
Looking Ahead: A Potential Clash with Sakkari
Raducanu’s next challenge could be a second-round showdown with No. 9 seed Maria Sakkari, should the Greek advance past Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch. Sakkari leads their head-to-head 2-1, but Raducanu won their most recent encounter at Indian Wells earlier this year. "Every match is a new opportunity," Raducanu said. "I’ll prepare the same way and trust the process."
Fan Support and Home Advantage
The Wimbledon crowd rallied behind Raducanu, who has become a fan favorite since her historic US Open triumph. "Playing at home is special," she smiled. "The energy from the fans gives me an extra boost."
With this win, Raducanu improves her 2024 record to 15-8, signaling a steady return to form. As she progresses at SW19, all eyes will be on whether she can replicate her Grand Slam magic once again.
"I’m just taking it one match at a time," Raducanu concluded. "But I’m here to compete and enjoy every moment."