Emma Raducanu was one of a handful of Brits who were part of a really successful start to the Wimbledon championships yesterday on day one.
And whilst she had to bypass a compatriot to reach round two, it just shows the strength in depth that there are so many are able to not just show up, handed a wildcard because of their birthplace, but because they genuinely deserve it.
What makes things even more exciting is that stars like Jack Draper and Dan Evans are yet to even start their campaigns, meaning there are hopefully even more to cement their spots in the latter stages too.
Speaking at her post-match press conference, after she had swept aside 17-year-old Mimi Xu in straight sets, Emma Raducanu was informed of a piece of British history that she and so many others had helped create on Monday.
She reacted accordingly.
Emma Raducanu was one of seven Brits to reach Wimbledon second round
Ironically so, the reporter in question could only include the six Brits who were confirmed into round two when telling the 22-year-old that they had already made history as the most to do so in one day.
That was before Katie Boulter emerged as a shock victor from her match against Paula Badosa, digging deep to come out on top in a hugely impressive three-set triumph.
Raducanu was unsurprisingly pleased to hear about such British success, replying: ‘Yeah, it’s incredible. I think so many Brits in the draw and you, it’s great that they’re giving opportunities as well to the younger players.
‘I feel like they’re doing more so now and in the past. So it’s a great experience for them and the Brits have done so well.
‘I saw Sonay win earlier, that was a big win and then yeah, Katie’s in a tough match right now, but playing really well, so, I think it’s great for the spectators too, to have so many Brits to follow in the draw, and as we, you know, win matches, it’s more and more exciting.’
This came after Tim Henman explained how he picked Wimbledon’s wildcards this year, and why so many Brits earned their spots.
Which British players won at Wimbledon on day one?
Raducanu and Boulter spearheaded a stunning day for British tennis, but it was actually Sonay Kartal who got them off to the perfect start with their first Wimbledon win of the day.
She stunned Jelena Ostapenko, playing some of the tennis of her life as she left the Latvian bemused. At one point, the 23-year-old struck a sumptuous running forehand that forced the 20th seed to simply drop her racket in amazement.
In another heartwarming story, British qualifier Oliver Tarvet continued his fine run to set up a second-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Arthur Fery, Billy Harris and Cam Norrie.
