Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu storms past Elise Mertens in ...

The 21-year-old has made a powerful return to Wimbledon action after missing last year’s tournament following wrist and ankle surgeries – sprinting to a second-round victory in just one hour and 17 minutes.

She's now set to face world No.9 Maria Sakkari in the next round. The pair last met during Raducanu’s historic run to the 2021 US Open title, with the Brit snatching a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win in the semi-finals.

“It makes me feel unbelievable" Raducanu said after her win on Wednesday evening. "I feel so welcome here and honestly Court One is my favourite court.

“I think I played some really good tennis today. I’m over the moon to be playing here and to extend my stay by one more day. With the roof closed, it was super loud so I’m really appreciative and grateful to everyone for making a lot of noise."

Raducanu’s serve has been tough to break down over the last few weeks and today was no different. Winning 76% of points behind her first serve, Raducanu faced just two break points across the match which she batted away with ease, while drawing up 14 opportunities against her Belgian opponent.

The British youngster dominated from the baseline - painting the lines of every corner of the court and wracking up an impressive 22 winners before cruising to victory and sending an elated British crowd on their feet.

“The most important thing is just focusing on myself" she added. "I think I did that really well today, I took care of my business and what I felt like I needed to do.

"Staying in the zone and in your own little world and creating that environment is the most important thing to try and stay focus and serve out a match like that.”

While Raducanu’s will bid to extend her journey in the singles into the second week of the Championships, she’s also set to make her mixed doubles debut alongside one of the sport’s greatest legends.

It was earlier announced that Raducanu will join forces with two-time Wimbledon champion in what will be a superstar mixed doubles partnership. The Grand Slam winning pair will get their first-round match underway on Friday against Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai, as one of

“I’m not sure but my doubles record isn’t exactly the longest or most vast but I couldn’t say no” Raducanu said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl and since I watched the Olympics.

“Andy’s a hero to all of us, so for me, it’s a real gift and honour that he asked me and it’s a moment that I could never say no to. I’m super excited to be on the mixed doubles court and hopefully learn a thing or two about coming to the net” she laughed.

Raducanu is also joined by 22-year-old Sonay Kartal who earlier defeated world No.45 Clara Burel to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

Meanwhile, Lily Miyazaki's second round match against Daria Kasatkina has been moved to tomorrow due to rain delays.