Emma Raducanu felt 'really awkward' at Wimbledon as Brit explains unusual celebration

Emma Raducanu has confessed that it was "really awkward" facing another Brit at Wimbledon after taking out teenage wildcard Mimi Xu. The world No. 40 still managed to seal a straightforward 6-3 6-3 victory to book her spot in the second round here for the fourth time in her career.

The British No. 1 was the heavy favourite over 17-year-old Xu, who usually competes on the junior circuit and was making her Grand Slam main draw debut. But Raducanu was more motivated than usual, screaming "come on" to celebrate most points she won, and she explained why she was so vocal.

"Yeah, it's really awkward playing a Brit, especially someone younger," Raducanu said after taking out the wildcard.

"I think the crowd are great both ways. I think it was nice for her to also receive that sort of welcome, that sort of support.

"She's a great player with big weapons. But yeah, congrats for her to kind of make it to get the wildcard opportunity. I'm sure, like, she's going to do great things in the future."

As for her loud celebrations, Raducanu explained: "No, I think first rounds, it's not easy. Difficult also circumstances where you wanted to get yourself in the game, keep your head in the game, stay focused. Yeah, I think that I just really wanted to win that match."

Xu was one of three teenage wildcards in the women's main draw, along with Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic. While all three lost on Monday, there were a historic seven British winners on day one of Wimbledon.

"Yeah, it's incredible I think so many Brits in the draw. It's great that they're giving opportunities, as well, to the younger players. I feel like they're doing that more so now than in the past. It's great experience for them," Raducanu said of the British bonanza.

"Yeah, the Brits have done so well. I saw Sonay [Kartal] win earlier. That was a big win. Katie [Boulter] is in a tough match right now, but playing really well. I think it's great for the spectators, too, to have so many Brits to follow in the draw. As we win matches, it's more and more exciting."

The 22-year-old will now face 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round. On her tournament debut in 2021, an 18-year-old Raducanu beat the Czech star at the same stage.

Reflecting on that victory, she added: "I remember I played really good tennis. I remember I played one of the best matches I've played. Was so aggressive, took the ball on. Obviously since she's won the Wimbledon title and had a lot more success on grass.

"I remember that was, yeah, a big change, a big turning point for me. I'm looking forward, again, to have the opportunity to be in the second round. I'm grateful for that."

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