Emma Raducanu has been smiling again in recent weeks and her debut at Wimbledon could not have been better. The Brit will be dealing with a more complicated rival in the second round, Elise Mertens, but for now she is focused on enjoying every match and win: "I feel the immense joy of being back at the Wimbledon tournament where I havent been for a long time.
I attach great importance to every victory, because I know how difficult it is to get them. I came here with no expectations, with the goal of winning at least one game. I succeeded and I am very happy.
I have had stage fright, but I think it is normal and I am happy to have managed it,' she explained in a press conference.
Emma Raducanu has been smiling again
As expected former US Open champion Emma Raducanu was very encouraged by the local crowd and this helped her a lot to give the best of herself: "I am very satisfied with my level of play and my attitude.
I felt a huge amount of support from the crowd and it was important in the tight situations of the game. Nothing in the world of tennis is comparable to what you feel playing on this court, it has no equal.
As Slam winner Emma could take part in the next Olympics in Paris, she could get a wildcard but in the end - among the general surprise - she decided to refuse and think about the upcoming tournaments of the circuit.
Raducanu explained her thoughts: "For me it was quite clear from the beginning, I am very determined and I want to do things with my time and my way, not as a diva but giving priority to my body and my health.
If I am fit and if I give 100% I have the awareness that great things can come, but at the moment I feel that I cannot afford to stress my body further and take further risks, especially given my recent history with injuries".
