“Watching the football last night, it was like winning ugly,” Emma Raducanu recalls England’s heroics at Euro 2024

England are winning, regardless of it being soccer or tennis.

“Watching the football last night, it was like winning ugly,” Emma Raducanu recalls England’s heroics at Euro 2024

Emma Raducanu reacts to England soccer team's latest win (Via Imago)

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has drawn comparisons between her first-round win at Wimbledon and England’s extra-time win against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. The former British No.1 opened her Wimbledon campaign with a straight-set win over Mexican Renata Zarazua, 7-6, 6-3.

In an interview after her first-round match, Raducanu emphasized the importance of ‘winning ugly’ in matches. The 21-year-old has been a lifelong England soccer team fan and appeared on the practice courts yesterday wearing an England top.

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You have to just do what it takes to get over the line. Honestly watching the football last night, it was like winning ugly. It all counts!
Emma Raducanu said in her post-match interview

England came from a goal down on Sunday in Euro 2024 to win 2-1 against Slovakia in the Round of 16. A last-minute goal from Jude Bellingham and the winner by Harry Kane in the first minute of extra-time ensured that the Three Lions progressed to the last eight.

Raducanu hopes that England’s ‘ugly’ journey goes all the way to the final. If she can draw inspiration from them and elevate her game in the next fortnight, it will only benefit English sports.

Emma Raducanu secures an impressive win over ‘lucky loser’ in the Wimbledon first round

Emma Raducanu won her first-round match at Wimbledon on Monday. She beat Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in straight sets on Centre Court. The former top 10 player’s original opponent, 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, withdrew last minute, so she faced lucky loser Zarazua instead.

Emma Raducanu Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu (via Imago)

Raducanu was the favorite in her opening match. She felt the pressure early on but managed to win 7-6 (0), 6-3 against Zarazua. The 21-year-old had missed last year’s Wimbledon due to wrist and ankle surgeries and was also absent from the French Open, being denied a wildcard.

Raducanu started strong, breaking serve to lead 4-2. However, she struggled with her return of serve, one of her key strengths. Despite the issues, she managed to win the tiebreak by serving well and playing aggressively.

In the second set, the 2021 US Open champion grew more confident. She pressured Zarazua’s serve and broke at 4-2. Raducanu held on to secure the win and advance to the second round, where she will face Elise Mertens.

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