Former world number one Naomi Osaka and British star Emma Raducanu have progressed to the second round of Wimbledon.
Osaka, making a comeback this year after a 15-month break for maternity, displayed her tenacity and skill in a tough first-round encounter with France’s Diane Parry.
The 26-year-old from Japan, entering the tournament on a wildcard, initially took control with her forceful baseline shots and strong serve, winning the first set 6-1. However, she faltered in the second set, which allowed the 21-year-old Parry, world number 53, to even the match at 6-1. Osaka recovered her focus in the deciding set, exploiting Parry’s shaky serve to secure a 6-4 win.
Emma Raducanu also celebrated a triumphant return to Wimbledon, defeating Mexico’s Renata Zarazua. Raducanu was slated to play Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but after Alexandrova’s last-minute withdrawal, Zarazua stepped in as a lucky loser.
Despite Zarazua’s formidable slice shots, Raducanu maintained her composure, clinching a 7-6, 6-3 victory. The 20-year-old British player, who sat out last year’s tournament due to an injury, is set to play against world number 33 Elise Mertens in the second round on Wednesday.
Lulu Sun Beats No.8 seed Qinwen Zheng
In an unexpected outcome, Lulu Sun defeated No.8 seed Qinwen Zheng on her Wimbledon debut. Sun, from New Zealand, rallied from a set behind to topple the Australian Open finalist 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The match, lasting nearly two hours, saw Sun demonstrate exceptional determination.
