Emma Raducanu painted a positive picture of her fitness level as the darling of Wimbledon tunes up for her second appearance at her home Grand Slam.
The 19-year-old who won the US Open last summer from a qualifying start will play for the first time on the iconic Centre Court when she begins play on Monday against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck.
After suffering a side strain injury at a run-up event in Nottingham a fortnight ago, the local hopes measured her words regarding her recovery progress.
“I’m very much looking forward to being back, Wimbledon is the most special place to play” the teenager said.
“It’s inspiring and motivating.
“I’m looking forward to stepping onto the court ready to go.”
Raducanu did not go into detail about her physical problem, saying only she and her team had been “managing” it.
“This week was a good buildup, we wanted to see how the week went. (Recovery) went pretty well, it’s full steam ahead, we’re all ready.”
