Emma Raducanu leads British hopes at Wimbledon on Wednesday as a new generation of tennis talent aims to “do Andy Murray proud” after he was forced to withdraw from the singles.
British women have defied the variable weather to enjoy a stellar start to the Championships, with five female players through to the second round for the first time in 37 years.
Among them is Grand Slam winner Raducanu, 21, who is due to clash with Belgian Elise Mertens, 28, in a second-round match on Court 1.
British wildcard Lily Miyazaki, 28, and 22-year-old Londoner Sonay Kartal were also in second-round action after wins on Monday.
Fans queuing for Wimbledon tickets on Wednesday spoke of their hopes British players would do two-time champion Sir Andy proud, after he pulled out of the men’s singles on Tuesday following a back operation last weekend.
Raducanu spoke of her admiration for Sir Andy and said she planned to “put myself on the line on the court and fight”.
It was later announced on Wednesday that Sir Andy will play mixed doubles with Raducanu to prolong his farewell at the All England Club.
Murray has said that this year’s Wimbledon will be his last before he officially retires at the Olympics Games in a few weeks’ time.
Steve Johnson, from Ilkley in West Yorkshire, told the Standard it was “a real shame” Sir Andy is not playing, but felt a strong set of British players were “making up for him”.
He added: “We’ve got Emma Raducanu — it feels like she’s playing the best she’s played for ages. Sonay Kartal — she’s an up-and-coming star. Then of course Jack Draper from the men’s side looks really good, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter’s playing really well.”
Steven Tarry, from Kent, described Sir Andy as “a generational talent”, while Tom Hutchison, from Tooting, said the Scotsman leaves behind “tough shoes to fill”. He added: “Jack Draper looking like a good prospect, but it’s going to be a while.”
British No 1 Draper, 22, also paid tribute to Sir Andy last night, following his five set Centre Court victory against Elias Ymer, 28.
“I wouldn’t be here without Andy,” he said. “He’s an incredible guy off the court — so funny, so genuine, one-of-a-kind. What a competitor, what a champion. Thank you very much.”
Sir Andy became the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon title in 2013 before he did so again three years later. He also won an Olympic singles gold medal at Wimbledon at London 2012.
He was forced to pull out of the singles competition after being unable to sufficiently recover from back surgery. However, he will compete alongside his brother, Jamie, in the men’s doubles at the All England Club.
Thursday will see a “battle of the Brits” on-court as the top two players from both the men’s and women’s sides go head-to-head.
Draper will play British No 2 Norrie, 28, while women’s No 1 Boulter, 27, and No 2 Harriet Dart, 27, are also due to go head-to-head.
“I think it’s going to be extremely tough,” Boulter said last night.
“I think it’s exciting. You have two Brits here who are playing some very good tennis. I’m going to have to bring my A game.”
