Emma Raducanu brushed aside Elise Mertens at Wimbledon to reach the third round of a grand slam for the first time since her US Open triumph.
Back on Court One for the first time since her breakthrough run to the fourth round here three years ago ahead of that historic New York fortnight, Raducanu seized control from the start and raced to a 6-1 6-2 victory against a player ranked just outside the seedings.
In 2021, the occasion was ultimately too much for the then teenager and she retired with breathing difficulties against Ajla Tomljanovic.
“I feel so, so welcome here,” said Raducanu. “Court One is my favourite court. I think I played some really good tennis today, I’m really pleased. I’m over the moon to be playing here and just to extend my stay by one more day.
“I knew all the hard yards and the hard work I’ve been doing would lead to something and I’m just so happy to reap some of the rewards in Wimbledon.”
She also spoke of teaming up with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles this weekend, adding: “My doubles record isn’t exactly the longest but I couldn’t say no, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a dream of mine since I was a young girl watching the Olympics.
“Andy’s a hero to all of us. For me it’s a real gift and it’s a real honour that he asked me. I’m just super excited to be on the mixed doubles court and hopefully learn a thing or two about come to the net or something.”
King Carlos overcomes slow start
Carlos Alcaraz survived a first-set wobble before racing into the Wimbledon third round.
The defending champion from Spain was broken twice by Australian world number 69 Aleksandar Vukic after serving for the opening set.
Vukic, 28, had form for upsetting the Spaniard, having beaten the then 17-year-old in French Open qualifying four years ago.
But there was to be no repeat as Alcaraz managed to break back to force a tie-break, which he dominated, and never looked back.
The 21-year-old went on to register a 7-6 (5) 6-2 6-2 victory, spending just an hour and 48 minutes on Court One.
“I’m really happy about my performance today,” he said. “The first set was the key for me. He served for the set and then I played a really good tie-break.
“In the second and third I played a really high level so I’m really happy about it.”
Evans crashes out
A patched-up Dan Evans was sent packing in the first round at Wimbledon by 24th seed Alejandro Tabilo.
British number three Evans was a doubt for the Championships after injuring his knee slipping on the grass at Queen’s Club.
The 34-year-old, wearing heavy strapping on his right knee, successfully lobbied to have the match halted on Tuesday evening, insisting the surface was unsafe.
“I’ve already been hurt on a wet court this season,” he complained to a supervisor, adding: “You don’t care about the players.”
Play resumed on Wednesday afternoon with Evans trailing by a set, and level at 3-3 in the second.
He was immediately up against it, and needed an ace to prevent Tabilo taking a first set point.
But the serve which got him out of trouble put him back in it in the next game as two double-faults gifted Tabilo the set.
Tabilo went on to wrap up a 6-2 7-5 6-3 victory to reach the second round for the first time.
