Emma Raducanu is through to the second round of Wimbledon, following a comprehensive victory over compatriot Mingge Xu.
The 22-year-old is hoping to make a strong run at SW19, following her fourth round appearance at last year’s championships.
In her first round match this year, she defeated fellow Brit Xu, winning 6-3 6-3.
Raducanu has experienced a coaching merry-go-round since breaking onto the tennis scene in 2022, following her shock US Open victory.
In March, Raducanu hired a new coach – a former world number 80. On Tuesday, this same coach took to X (Twitter) to deliver some strong words for fans tuning into Wimbledon this July.
Mark Petchey says tennis fans ‘haven’t quite grasped’ the depth of the ATP and WTA Tours
Mark Petchey, the head coach of Emma Raducanu and a former professional player, took to X to express his thoughts on the reaction to a number of seeds exiting Wimbledon in the first round.
In the men’s singles draw, six of the 32 seeds lost on the opening day, with Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Alexi Popyrin, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Francisco Cerundolo and former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
On the women’s side of the draw, Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko exited the competition on the first day.
Petchey said: “People thinking seeds falling are upsets, haven’t quite grasped the depth on both tours.
“The quality and physicality of all the players now is incredible. Most seeds are there based on their 12 month performance but on any day there are players who will take your lunch money even if you are seed.
“Being seeded is like having protection from The Praetorian Guard these days.”
Third seed Jessica Pegula has exited Wimbledon on day two, losing to Elisabetta Cocciaretto 2-6 3-6.
Emma Raducanu faces Marketa Vondrousova in the second round of Wimbledon
After a convincing first round performance, Raducanu will be hoping to build on her level when she faces her second round opponent.
Raducanu, who was described as ‘really supportive’ by Xu after their first round match, has been paired up against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
After winning the Berlin Grass Court Championships in June, Vondrousova impressively beat Nottingham Open champion McCartney Kessler in the first round, winning 6-1 7-6.
The Czech player’s best surface is grass and Raducanu will have to be at her very best to advance further at SW19.
