Wimbledon organizers have handed Emma Raducanu the privilege of playing her opening match on the Center Court. She is set to face Ekaterina Alexandrova in what could be a difficult opening match at the grass Major.
Alexandrova is considered a grass court specialist, having won the Libema Open two times and reaching the Round of 16 at Wimbledon last year. The two players are set to meet for the first time on the WTA tour.
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Emma Raducanu: Match Details
- Tournament: Wimbledon 2024
- Match: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Emma Raducanu
- Round: First Round (Round of 128)
- Date: July 1, 2024
- Time: 11 am local time
- Venue: Wimbledon, London
- Court: Center Court
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Emma Raducanu: Match Preview
Ekaterina Alexandrova earned her biggest win of the season in Miami when she beat World No.1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets. She went on to reach the semifinals of the WTA Masters 1000 tournament before losing to Danielle Collins. She also failed to defend her Libema Open title after losing to eventual champion Liudmila Samsonova in the semifinals.
The World No. 22, who has a 17-16 win-loss record in 2024, has always performed well on grass. At Wimbledon last year, she defeated Emma Navarro, Madison Brengle, and Dalma Galfi to reach the fourth round. She is yet to show her form on the surface this season, failing to get past the Round of 16 at the Berlin Ladies Open and Bad Homburg Open.
On the other hand, Emma Raducanu has shaken off the poor clay run that saw her skip the Roland Garros. She arrived at her first grass tournament in Nottingham and reached the semifinals, before losing to eventual champion Katie Boulter in three sets.
The Brit continued in her fine form at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne, where she beat former US Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-0 in the opening round. She then saved a match point in her win against American Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16. Despite her loss to Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals, earning the first Top 10 win of her career will keep her in g good spirits heading into Wimbledon.
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Emma Raducanu: Match Prediction
Alexandrova and Raducanu will face each other for the first time in their careers and both will be hoping eager to bag the win and progress to the next round. On paper, Raducanu is the favorite to win the match but Alexandrova’s expertise on grass could cause trouble.
Match Prediction: Emma Raducanu to win in three sets.
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Emma Raducanu: Live Stream Details
- USA: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ABC, Tennis Channel
- UK and Europe (Except France): BBC, Eurosport
- France: beIN Sports France
- Australia: Nine & Stan Sport
- Canada: ESPN International, TSN/RDS
- India: Disney+Hotstar
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