In a nerve-wracking first-round opener at Wimbledon, British number one Emma Raducanu (World No. 40) beat young compatriot Mimi Xu (17, WTA No. 318) 6–3, 6–3 on No.1 Court. The match was the first all-British women's first-round encounter at the tournament since 2011 and marked the beginning of an unforgettable day at SW19.
/*Historic Clash and Crowd Drama*/
Two British contenders battled it out mid-afternoon under scorching 32 °C heat; an environment made electrifying by partisan cries of "Come on Britain!". The match began with Raducanu breaking Xu in the opening game and claiming control of the first set 6–3 in just 37 minutes. In an amusing twist, a champagne cork sailed onto the court from the spectators between sets, prompting Raducanu to giggle and quip to the audience, "Cheers to you!".
/*Xu's Rise: Wildcard to First-Round Clash*/
Seventeen-year-old Swansea wildcard entrant Mingge "Mimi" Xu, boasting junior credentials of ITF triumph and strides at Birmingham and Eastbourne, won her main-stage premiere. Xu provided Raducanu with a challenge in the second set, breaking her serve (a rarity), securing 13 winners, and taking a game before Raducanu regained command. Xu's performance attested to her potential and maturity beyond her years.
/*Raducanu's Court Savvy Sparkles*/
Raducanu, Wimbledon's 2021 fourth-roundist and US Open champion, called on her experience. Cool under pressure, she hit powerful groundstrokes and took key points, finishing the second set 6–3 after 1 hour and 25 minutes. "It is awkward playing another Brit, especially someone younger… the crowd was great both ways," she told the on-court interviewer. Raducanu also praised her coach, saying she'd give them "11 out of 10" for preparation.
/*What's Next: Vondroušová Looms*/
Raducanu next faces ex-Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová (2023) in round two; a major challenge, given Vondroušová's excellent grass-court record. Beyond that, a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka beckons. Raducanu is staying grounded, calling Wimbledon "my favourite tournament by far".
/*Wimbledon: A British Festival Day One*/
Day 1 at the All England Club featured record-breaking performances for Britain: seven Brits advanced in the main draws, including Katie Boulter’s upset over Paula Badosa, making this the most successful opening day for British tennis in the Open Era. With Emma’s breakthrough and the electric court-side ambiance, SW19 captured the hearts of UK fans once more.