Emma Raducanu said the opportunity to play alongside Andy Murray at Wimbledon was one she instantly accepted without hesitation.
Two of Britain’s most high-profile tennis players have joined forces to play in the mixed doubles tournament during what is expected to be Murray’s final appearance at the Grand Slam as a player. It is rare for Raducanu to play doubles and she has only played one such match on the WTA Tour so far in her career. Although she jumped at the chance to take part in what she describes as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’
“I think some things are bigger than just tennis. I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re going to have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things don’t come by.” Raducanu said after beating Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2, in the second round.
“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’m going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in a home slam.”
Speaking on the court, the 21-year-old described playing alongside Murray as a dream of her that originated from watching him play mixed doubles at the London 2012 Olympics. On that occasion, the former world No.1 partnered with Laura Robson and claimed a silver medal.
“Seeing him (Murray) win silver here with Laura, I was so far away from it at that time, it was like a faraway dream.” She said.
“I think it’s important to not lose sight of that, not let go of those feelings as a kid, why you started playing sport and why you want to play on these big courts.
“It’s just a real honour and I’m just really excited.”
As for the singles, Raducanu is continuing her recent spike in form at The All England Club. Coming into this week, she reached the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open before going to beat a top 10 player for the first time in Eastbourne.
In the third round, she will play Greece’s Maria Sakkari in what will be the first meeting between the two since the 2021 US Open when Radcanu claimed her maiden Grand Slam title. However, that match has been played down as having any impact on the next.
“Circumstances are different. It’s a third round compared to a semifinal. At the time the dynamics were also different. I was an unknown player pretty much.” Raducanu explains.
“I’m expecting a really tough match.
“It’s going to be one where I’m the complete underdog and I can just enjoy playing in my home crowd, just keep having fun and trying to stay an extra day.”
