Emma Raducanu is into the second round at Wimbledon, making short work of her 17-year-old opponent Mimi Xu.
As the heavy, heavy favourite, there was a strange pressure on the 22-year-old to perform today.
So, to rush into an early lead with a few breaks would have been perfect for easing her nerves.
Raducanu has admitted to struggling in the lead-up to Wimbledon this year, both physically and mentally, yet she was all smiles as she strolled to success in the sunshine.
And, questioned about the crowd in her post-match interview, she maintained her upbeat demeanour.
Emma Raducanu rates the Wimbledon atmosphere
She began her on-court interview by reviewing the crowd, which oversaw an all-British clash on court one.
Emma Raducanu noted: ‘I am super pleased to have come through that match. It’s so difficult playing against another Brit first round. When the draw first came out I can’t say I was loving it.
‘Mimi is a really great player, she is so young and has some amazing weapons at her disposal. I am really happy to have come through that and just want to thank everyone for their support on both sides, it was a really nice atmosphere.’
She then rated her level, continuing: ‘Sometimes it is difficult in the moment with nerves and adrenaline you don’t really have an idea of what is going on. I think I had some really good patches and then some moments where I lost my focus and Mimi was able to come back. I am really happy how I toughed it out in the really crucial games and won the important points today.’
Raducanu ended her interview by revealing her expectations for today and going forward, finishing: ‘I am glad people were having fun today. I saw a champagne cork fly onto the court so I am glad you guys are having a good time!
‘It’s really nice to be back and I just use it as support. I love playing in this atmosphere. It is my favourite tournament by far so I am just so happy to get another match here.’
Emma Raducanu vs Marketa Vondrousova in Wimbledon round two
Things get no easier for Raducanu in the second round, as she will now face a former Wimbledon champion in Marketa Vondrousova.
Perhaps a year ago, this might have been seen as a favourable draw, but the last month has seen the Czech superstar mount something of a career comeback.
After all, she had not won a single WTA title since her 2023 Wimbledon triumph, and yet earlier this month shocked many as she stormed to the title in Berlin, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the process.
Ironically, whoever wins out of Vondrousova and Raducanu will likely face the world number one in round three.
Getting through this tricky first round marked an important hurdle for the British number one to overcome.
Now, she can swing freely, given few will expect her to get that much further now.
