Emma Raducanu kicks off her second ever Wimbledon campaign at Center Court as UK No. 1 against Alison Van Uytvanck. It marks a stunning rise to fame for the teen, who follows Novak Djokovic and precedes Andy Murray on day one.
Raducanu has struggled for form and fitness since that incredible US Open victory last September, with a side injury that ruined her build to Wimbledon and led to doubts about her entry, but she insists she is ready for just a second appearance in the main draw amid high expectations at her home Grand Slam, but she has been dealt a very tough draw.
It’s a tough Belgian Van Uytvanck to finish first for number 10, with the likes of Caroline Garcia, Madison Keys, Danielle Collins, Ons Jabeur, Anett Kontaveit and Iga Swiatek potentially leading the way if she wants to work her way through to the final. Follow all the action from Center Court with Matt Verri!
live updates
prediction
Known fitness issues about Raducanu are still ominous and won’t go away until she’s put together some decent shape.
This is her first time on Center Court at Wimbledon and the pressure will be on as she tries to live up to her UK’s No. 1 billing and reigning US Open championship status, despite constant setbacks and scrutiny.
The road ahead is particularly difficult and Van Uytvanck, world No. 46, presents a difficult opening assignment. However, we support Raducanu to feed on that fervent home help and get her campaign off to an impressive start.
how to watch
TV channels: On Monday, BBC coverage at Wimbledon starts from 11am on the Red Button, and the BBC One program starts at 1:45pm.
live stream: TV license payers can also stream all the tennis action live online via the BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app.
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Emma Raducanu vs Alison Van Uytvanck.
The British number 1 follows after Novak Djokovic, with an estimated start time of 15:30.
Matt Verri is on Center Court to guide you through all the action.