Wimbledon LIVE! Raducanu vs Zarazua latest score and updates
Emma Raducanu starts her Wimbledon journey by playing against Renata Zarazua on Centre Court today. The 21-year-old was unable to compete during the grass-court season last year because of an injury, so this will be her first time playing at SW19 since she was defeated in the second round in 2022.
Recently, Raducanu has shown some positive progress with a strong performance in Nottingham where she reached the semi-finals. She then followed it up with a quarter-final appearance in Eastbourne, including a win over Jessica Pegula for her first victory against a top-ten player. This has helped Raducanu climb to a world ranking of 135 as she aims to recapture the form she displayed during the summer of 2021.
The British player was supposed to play against Ekaterina Alexandrova, who is seeded 22nd, in the second match on Centre Court. However, the Russian had to pull out due to illness earlier this morning. As a result, lucky loser Zarazua will now be facing Raducanu on the court. This will be the first time that Zarazua, who is ranked 98th in the world, will be playing in the main draw at Wimbledon. Stay updated on all the matches by following Standard Sport's LIVE blog below!
The most recent news on the Raducanu vs Zarazua match
Zarazua Defeats Raducanu 6-7 *2-3
Raducanu made a big mistake with a double fault. The Centre Court crowd is now trying to support her as she faces pressure at 15-30.
Raducanu serves quickly and with precision, landing her first serve right on the line. Zarazua is unable to return it, resulting in an important point for Raducanu at 30-30. Zarazua's unforced error gives Raducanu the advantage in the match.
Raducanu's initial serve was ruled out, causing her to quickly glance at her support team and the line before deciding to challenge the call. After reviewing the replay, it was confirmed that the serve was indeed in.
She will need to hold off even more before hitting her first serve, as a phone suddenly starts ringing and a bird swoops in to perch on the net. What a wait - ace. Hold.
Zarazua And Raducanu Battle In Close Match
A common sight on Centre Court. The crowd erupts in applause for a beautiful shot from Raducanu, only to gasp in disappointment as she makes a couple of unexpected errors moments later.
Zarazua's second serve doesn't have a lot of power, but Raducanu is not positioned correctly and misses her return shot.
The Mexican player successfully evened the set with a routine hold.
Zarazua Defeats Raducanu 6-7, 1-2
Zarazua used the drop shot frequently at the beginning of the match, and now she has returned to it after a long period of not using it. Raducanu was unable to effectively return the shot at the net, resulting in a score of 0-30.
Raducanu hit a great backhand shot down the line just in time, but now she's facing two break points. She gave it her all on that forehand, but unfortunately it hit the top of the net and landed on her side of the court. The score is now 15-40.
One point is saved after Zarazua's lob goes out. Another point is saved after Zarazua makes a mistake on her own. The score is now tied.
She had a strong forehand shot at the net and a skilled slice that landed deep in the court. Raducanu successfully held her serve.
Zarazua Vs. Raducanu Score Update
Raducanu faces a challenge as she prepares to return the second serve. The way the ball bounced indicates that it hit the line, and it did. Zarazua then makes a mistake with a double fault. The score is now tied at 15-15.
Both players are playing inconsistently, but Zarazua manages to hold on with a series of strong backhand shots. This puts her in a good position as the second set begins.
Zarazua 6-7, Raducanu Withdraws
Raducanu's performance at the beginning of this set is inconsistent, with some hits and some misses. Apart from the tie-break, she is finding it difficult to string together consecutive good points.
She has a good chance at 30-30, as she advances towards the net and Zarazua's slice doesn't quite make it over. It turns out to be an easy enough hold as her forehand shot finally comes through.
Okay, Zarazua is back on the court and prepared for the second set.
That is the proper way to compete in a tie-break situation.
Zarazua made an unexpected return and Raducanu is now leading by one set.
Raducanu lets out a loud shout as she gains an early advantage. It seems like she has the potential to dominate the match if she makes a few small adjustments.
It's now 2-0, Zarazua couldn't return the first serve. The audience on Centre Court is now completely involved.
Raducanu is now leading 3-0, her serves are helping her win crucial points. Her supporters cheer loudly every time she scores a point.
Raducanu is dominating the match! With a powerful forehand shot down the line, Zarazua is unable to respond and the score is now 4-0.
Zarazua is starting to consider the second set as she hits a forehand shot too long. The score is now 5-0 and she is falling behind quickly.
It's six to zero during the break.
Raducanu hit a backhand into the net on the last point, but quickly redeemed herself with a winner that landed right on the line on the next point. The score is now 30-15, and Raducanu's performance has been up and down so far.
Talking about...that shot barely clears the net. Completely out of position.
No challenges this time, coming out on top in that back-and-forth play as Zarazua makes the first move.
Great effort from Zarazua, replays indicate that her first serve just barely touched the line. She wins the point after it is played again.
Next, she decides to play a drop shot, bringing Raducanu closer to the net. She then executes a perfectly placed lob that sails over the British player and lands inside the baseline. The score is now 30-15.
Raducanu hit a few more wild forehand shots and lost the game. Zarazua is now ensured of at least reaching a tie-break.
