Emma Raducanu is handed a huge boost as her first round opponent WITHDRAWS through illness at Wimbledon… meaning Brit now faces world No 98 Renata Zarazua

Emma Raducanu has received a huge boost before even taking to Centre Court at Wimbledon after her first-round opponent withdrew due to illness.

World number 22 Ekaterina Alexandrova represented a real test for Raducanu, who has looked much better on the grass in recent weeks.

While British hopefuls should be wary of underestimating lucky loser Renata Zarazua, who reached the first round after two wins in qualifying, there is no denying that Raducanu now goes into her opening match as favourite.

Zarazua is 18-18 on the year so far and has a real chance to establish herself on the WTA Tour, having previously won only one match at a Grand Slam. This will also be her Wimbledon debut

Raducanu missed Wimbledon in 2023 as she recovered from surgery, but returned rejuvenated and with a smile on her face.

She now faces Wimbledon debutante Renata Zarazua, who appears as the lucky loser

One of 19 Britons in the singles draw, Raducanu appeared in relaxed mood on Sunday as she practiced while wearing an England football shirt.

The 21-year-old celebrated the eve of the tournament by watching the Three Lions win the European Championship. Now she hopes to score a huge victory on Center Court today herself.

“I’d love to be a part of it,” she said. ‘It’s just a great summer full of sports. It’s football, it’s Formula 1, it’s tennis, the races. I said that every day at Wimbledon is now a blessing.

‘I feel much more comfortable this year. Much less happens. There is much less stress or chaos.

“I just come here, do my training, play the game. There is not much different, while in 2022 I was in a huge rush.’