Emma Raducanu’s first-round Wimbledon opponent, Ekaterina Alexandrova, withdrew due to illness, just hours before their scheduled match. Raducanu will now face Mexican star Renata Zarazua, world No. 149, who steps in as a lucky loser.

Raducanu has shown impressive form leading up to Wimbledon, marking her return to Centre Court after surgeries on both wrists and ankles in 2023. The British star expressed her delight at being back and acknowledged the challenge Alexandrova would have posed.

“Yeah, I think it’s a tough match. Like, she’s seeded really well. It’s obviously going to be hard,” Raducanu said. “I think that she’s got great weapons. On this surface, on grass, it only amplifies big weapons.”

Despite the change in opponent, Raducanu is focused and ready to seize the opportunity. She emphasized her excitement to play at Wimbledon again and her recent successful run on grass. At Nottingham, she reached the semi-finals, and in Eastbourne, she defeated world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, marking her first win over a top-10 ranked player.

For Zarazua, this match marks her first appearance at Wimbledon and the fourth Grand Slam of her career. She previously reached the first round of both the French and Australian Opens this year. The stage is set for an exciting clash on Centre Court as Raducanu aims to continue her strong summer performance.

Emma Raducanu in 2024

Currently ranked no.135, Raducanu played her last match on the 27^th of June when she capitulated to world no.12 Darya Kasatkina 6-2 6-2 in the quarter in Eastbourne (draw).

Presently, during this year Emma has achieved an overall 13-9 match record. Emma Raducanu’s best result of the present season was reaching the semifinal in Nottingham.

Emma Raducanu will come up against the world no.22 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the 1^st round on Monday at 4:30 pm on Centre Court. They have never played each other so far on the main tour.