Emma Raducanu is handed a huge boost as her first round opponent WITHDRAWS through illness at Wimbledon… meaning Brit now faces world No 98 Renata Zarazua

Emma Raducanu has been handed a huge boost before even taking to Centre Court at Wimbledon after her first round opponent withdrew through illness. 

World No 22 Ekaterina Alexandrova represented a real test for Raducanu, who has looked much improved on the grass in recent weeks.

While the British hopeful should be wary of underestimating lucky loser Renata Zarazua, who reached the first round after two two wins in qualifying – but there is no denying Raducanu will now go into her opening match as the favourite.

Zarazua is 18-18 on the year-to-date and has a real opportunity ahead of her to announce herself on the WTA Tour, having only won one match at a Grand Slam previously. This will also be her Wimbledon debut

Raducanu missed the 2023 edition of Wimbledon as she recovered from surgery and arrived back here rejuvenated and with a smile back on her face.

She is now due to face Wimbledon debutante Renata Zarazua, who steps in as the lucky loser

As one of 19 Brits in the singles draw, Raducanu appeared in relaxed mood on Sunday as she got some practice in while wearing an England football shirt. 

The 21-year-old celebrated on the eve of the tournament by watching the Three Lions win in the European Championship. Now she is looking to secure a roaring win of her own on Centre Court today.

‘I would love to be a part of it,’ she said. ‘It’s just an amazing summer of sport. It’s football, it’s F1, it’s tennis, the races. I’ve been saying that every day on site right now at Wimbledon is a blessing.

‘I feel a lot more comfortable this year. There’s a lot less going on. There’s a lot less stress or chaos. 

‘I’m more just coming here, doing my practice, playing the match. Like there’s not there’s not much else to it, whereas in 2022 I was in a big rush.’