WIMBLEDON: British tennis is in a ‘very good place’ after what has been a strong Wimbledon performance, according to the country’s Billie Jean King Cup captain.
Ten home players made it through to the second round at The All England Club, which is the highest number since 1976, when 12 did so. Sonay Kartal went as far as the fourth round and Emma Raducanu reached the third. Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie will play his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz later today on Centre Court.
Speaking to Ubitennis during a media event, Anne Keothavong believes there are plenty of positives. Keothavong is a former top 50 player who reached the third round of the 2008 US Open and won 20 ITF titles during her career. After retiring, she has ventured into both coaching and working as a tennis analyst for various broadcasters, including the BBC.
“I think it’s (British tennis) is in a very good place at the moment,” said Keothavong.
“We’ve got players at the top of the game and younger players who are coming through.
“There’s lots to be positive about, 23 British singles players in the main draw at Wimbledon this year. It’s all given us something to talk about.
“And hopefully they’ll build from their experiences here at Wimbledon and go on to improve and do better things.”
One of the most impressive performances from the Brits was Emma Raducanu’s resurgence in the tournament. The former Grand Slam champion eased through her first two matches, beating former winner Marketa Vondrousova en route. Then in the last 32, she went toe-to-toe with world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka for the majority of their match but ended up losing in two tightly contested sets.
“It was a fantastic match against Sabalenka. One of the best matches of the tournament that we’ve seen,” Keothavong commented.
“If she can continue playing at that level, then I’m sure we’ll see her rise back up the rankings.”
One of the key people behind Raducanu’s rise in form has been coach Mark Petchey, who has also previously worked with Andy Murray. A former professional player himself, he has since entered into a broadcasting career and took time off those duties to support Raducanu during the grass swing. It is yet to be confirmed if this partnership will be extended any further into the North American swing.
Should Petchey not be able to continue his coaching commitments, is there a fear that it could affect the progress Raducanu has made in recent months?
“He’s had a positive influence on her, and I think that’s what you look for in any coach,” Keothavong commented.
“He had committed his time up until this tournament and they’re reassessing because he’s got other commitments as well. Only she (Raducanu) can speak for herself on that one.”
On the men’s side, Jack Draper’s Wimbledon run was ended in the second round by Marin Cilic, who reached the final back in 2017. Draper entered the draw ranked fourth in the world, having won his first Masters 1000 title earlier this year in Indian Wells, as well as reaching the final of another in Madrid. He is yet to win back-to-back main draw matches at his home Grand Slam.
However, Keothavong points out that there could be a silver lining for Draper this year.
“I’m sure he’s really disappointed,” she said.
“But Jack, he’s ranked four in the world for a reason. These are experiences that you go through and hopefully learn from and come back better prepared and stronger next year.”
Keothavong is playing in the Wimbledon mixed doubles invitational tournament alongside France’s Fabrice Santoro.
