huhweather. Only two more days and it feels like it’s been a week.
But we’re going again and it’s another full program with Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray on Center Court.
British tennis had an unforgettable day at Wimbledon on Tuesday, as six more players reached the second round, making it its best performance in 25 years.
Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, Jack Draper, Ryan Peniston, Liam Broady and Alastair Gray joined Raducanu, Murray and Cameron Norrie in winning their opening matches.
Since 1997, Great Britain has lost nine representatives to the second round of singles, while Harriet Dart can make 10 in her postponed game against Rebeka Masarova on Wednesday.
That would be a figure not seen since 1984 and a further indication that, after years of relying on a few star names to cover the cracks, some power is finally emerging in the deep.
For Raducanu, the US Open champion hopes for an uncomplicated match against France’s Caroline Garcia on Wednesday.
“I think it helps in slams that you get a day off, so I think that’s quite valuable,” said Raducanu.
“I felt good there. There were some difficult moments physically in the second set (against Van Uytvanck), but I said to myself: ‘Continue, if you win in two sets, you don’t have to play three’. the tactics.”
Returning to Wimbledon completes a first full year on tour for Raducanu, whose tennis training was elevated to warp speed by her remarkable early success.
Familiarity comes with ups and downs, with Raducanu saying, “I think it only helps with experience. Every tournament or match you play, you learn something. It all helps it be a positive tool for the future.
“In a way, if you’ve never played against anyone, it also helps, because nobody knows you, nobody knows your game. That’s something I experienced positively last summer because nobody really knew who I was.
“Since then I think people have definitely watched me and leveled up and upped their game and played great tennis. I didn’t necessarily play badly in many of the matches.
“I think coming back here will always be a special tournament for me, my home tournament. I have incredible memories. I’m just looking forward to playing here again.”