Emma Raducanu, the US Open champion, arrived at Wimbledon today in preparation for her significant comeback following a litany of injury concerns.
The British No. 1 will make her Centre Court debut in a challenging opening match against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck, who was spotted hiding behind an umbrella wearing a Rafael Nadal t-shirt.
Jane O’Donoghue, who was a significant influence on Raducanu’s growth between the ages of 13 and 17, has been spotted training with Raducanu at Wimbledon while he is now without a professional coach.
Earlier this month, Raducanu was forced to withdraw from the Nottingham Open after claiming that she experienced pain in her left side as soon as she served in her match against Viktorija Golubic in the first round.
Her participation at Wimbledon was in jeopardy as she took painkillers, was treated while lying flat on the court during two change of ends, and later said she would get a scan.
However, the British fighter has assured supporters that following a successful training session on Saturday, she will be ready to face Van Uytvanck.
She also assured reporters that she will be prepared for center court, saying, “Everyone out there wants me to perform well, is behind me, and they are going to be applauding.”
She will be followed onto the show court today by Sir Andy Murray.
In the meantime, due to worries over Covid, Raducanu’s grandmother is unable to travel from her flat near Bucharest’s center to Wimbledon.
The retired teacher claims she won’t even be watching because she has never seen Emma, 19, play professionally in person.
She said, “I won’t be able to get to England, but I can’t watch her on TV either; my heart can’t bear it.” “Seeing her push herself so hard crushes my heart,” I said.
“When I see how much work she has to put in, I feel for her, and I become anxious.” I want to solely think positive thoughts and not send her any negative energy.
Mrs. Raducanu prefers to watch the games of future rivals. However, she continued, “I will be there for her in spirit.” I always tell her to keep going.
I recently used a video call to speak with her. “God will help you do what you have to do,” I assured her. My finest wishes are sent to her.
The devoted grandmother added: ‘If she won’t win now, I will also be there for her reassuring her that things would be better next time.
‘I am proud of what she has accomplished but she still has to acquire more strength.’
She is optimistic that Emma’s Wimbledon won’t come to an end the same way it did a year ago when she had to retire in the fourth round due to lung problems.
Mrs. Raducanu remarked, “Now she has a big medical team that check everything.”
After the adolescent withdrew from the Nottingham Open due to a side strain, she has spoken to her son Ian, the star’s father, about Emma’s fitness.
It’s nothing serious, he said. She stated that she was prepared for Wimbledon.
Because of lockdown and Emma’s schedule, it has been almost three years since she last saw her grandmother. But we communicate frequently, and she brings me gifts, said Mrs. Raducanu.