Twelve months ago, Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon experience consisted of making hospitality appearances for her sponsors.
The 21-year-old Briton missed her home Grand Slam after surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, but returns this year with a smile on her face on the back of some encouraging form.
“It was really hard last year because you would walk through the player tunnel, see your peers going to practice, going to play their match,” said the 2021 US Open champion.
“Being on the other side just really stung. It wasn’t nice and I didn’t really watch any of the tennis either.
“For me to be on this side of it this year is just super special.”
Raducanu missed the clay-court French Open to focus on being fit and ready for the British grass season – and the move looks to have paid dividends.
Reaching the Nottingham semi-finals was followed by a run to the Eastbourne quarter-finals, including a win over American world number five Jessica Pegula.
“I think I’m in a really good place,” said Raducanu, who plays against Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Monday.
“I did a good chunk of work at the end of the year to get back and healthy. I’ve continued that work throughout this year.
“I feel good in my body. There are no doubts.”
