There is cause for great British optimism heading into Wimbledon this year, with Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu both expected to spearhead hometown hopes at the All England Club.
After all, both have suffered with crippling injury woes over the last few years, but they hopefully appear to be coming out of the end of them just in time for this third Grand Slam of the season.
Draper has been competing at Eastbourne, marking his first appearance at a competitive event since April.
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, has been resting ever since she reached the final at Queen’s.
And yet, it is the latter of the duo who has now suffered an injury scare on the eve of Wimbledon.
Emma Raducanu suffers injury scare right before Wimbledon
That’s according to Clay Tenis, who both reported this news and also offered a shred of positivity to go with it.
Initially, it is noted that Raducanu was pictured leaving Aorangi, the Wimbledon practice area, with a grey immobilisation boot on her right foot.
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This came after the 23-year-old had decided not to train on Wednesday, which already sent alarm bells ringing.
And yet, despite all this, Raducanu’s agent, Thomas Houchin, has offered a brief comment to try to assuage fears.
He insisted: “Emma is absolutely fine. She will play tomorrow.”
It would be an absolute hammer blow for British tennis if she were physically compromised this close to Wimbledon, and at the moment, all we can do is hope Houchin is correct and she does train well today.
Mark Petchey discusses Emma Raducanu’s reunion with coach Andrew Richardson
Heading into Wimbledon, this will mark Raducanu’s first major tournament since re-hiring Andrew Richardson as her coach once again.
The last time they combined to tackle a Grand Slam, she won the entire thing at the US Open 2021.
Mark Petchey, who has arguably been the most successful of the many coaches Raducanu has employed since her split with Richardson, has now been discussing their reunion.
Chatting to Neilson Holidays, he admitted: “There are so many things I love about it. We obviously had a conversation because my situation was never really going to change, and she needed to find somebody.
How far do you think Emma Raducanu will go at Wimbledon after watching her at Queen’s?
“And I think going back to what she remembers as an amazing time of her life is perfect, and I think it will be very positive for her. I think they will have a great relationship.”
Also, speaking to the Press Association, he was asked if he felt Raducanu could ever win another major title.
Petchey certainly thinks so: “She can win another one for sure, I’ve always believed that about her.”
