Wimbledon 2025: Emma Raducanu gets set to take on former champion Marketa Vondrousova
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British No.1 Emma Raducanu safely secured her place in the second round of Wimbledon thanks to a straight sets victory over British wild card Mimi Xu.
It was an impressive performance from the former US Open champion in what looked on paper, like it could be a dangerous opening round draw.
The challenges don’t get any easier however as Raducanu is now lined-up to face 2023 champion and recent Berlin Open title-winner Marketa Vondrousova.
“She obviously won the Berlin 500 and beat really top players on the way to the title,” Raducanu said after her opening round win.
“It will be a really difficult match – obviously she has won Wimbledon. Amazing grass court player, in general. I think it's going to be a really difficult match. I'm going to need to play very well to get over the line.”
Vondrousova is one of the most in-form players on the WTA Tour over the last month and has more than proved her credentials on the grass.
In 2023 she became the first unseeded women’s singles champion in Wimbledon history, which took her to a career-high ranking of world No.6.
Like Raducanu, the 26-year-old Czech had Grand Slam success early in her career – reaching the French Open final six years ago – and there are certainly parallels to draw between the two players’ careers so far.
I remember I played one of the best matches I've played. I was so aggressive, took the ball on.
“I remember watching her when I was young making the final of the French,” Raducanu said. “She was so young there. Always seemed like way above me, way further ahead than me.
“Then she had wrist surgery and then came back and won Wimbledon, which is incredible. She's a really, really talented player.”
Raducanu and Vondrousova have faced each other three times on the WTA Tour, with the Czech currently leading the head-to-head 2-1. However, Raducanu holds the win in their only previous meeting at The Championships – coming through in straight sets back in 2021.
“I remember I played really good tennis,” Raducanu said, recounting their previous match at Wimbledon four years ago. “I remember I played one of the best matches I've played. I was so aggressive, took the ball on.
“Obviously since she's won the Wimbledon title and had a lot more success on grass. I remember that was a big change, a big turning point for me.
“I'm looking forward, again, to have the opportunity to be in the second round. I'm grateful for that.”
While it’s a tough draw for Raducanu, it will be an equally ominous task for Vondrousova if she is to come through the second round.
The Briton has made the fourth round at Wimbledon twice, including an impressive run last year where she knocked out former world No.12 Elise Mertens and the ninth seed Maria Sakkari.
Raducanu has the game to be a serious contender on the grass. This summer she made the quarter-finals of the HSBC Championships and has previously reached the semi-finals of the WTA 250 in Nottingham.
Added to that, Raducanu will no doubt have the backing of the home crowd when they face each other on Wednesday, which can be a huge benefit for the Brits.
“She is at home here, so I expect tough match,” Vondrousova said ahead of the second round. “I feel like every match on grass is very tough. You know, it can be both ways. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this match.
“I feel like she's getting better and better. She is 30-something now so she's very high in the rankings. I feel like she's coming back where she belongs.
“I feel like she's a great player. She has both strong forehand, backhand. She's a, very great player. I expect tough one on Wednesday.”
Stats analysis
Raducanu and Vondrousova were standout on their return of serve – both breaking their opponents five times across two sets in their first round wins.
The Briton struck an impressive balance between aggressive ball-striking and consistency from the baseline, hitting 25 winners to just 12 unforced errors against Xu.
However, against Vondrousova, Raducanu is likely to see much more variety on the ball with different spins, pace and effective use of the drop shot - compared to Xu who plays a similar style to the British No.1.
The Czech is one of the most clinical players on the tour this season. She ranks third amongst all players in the women’s draw on break points converted this year (54%) and in her opening round, won 47% (6/13) points when her opponent served at 30-30 or deuce.
Raducanu and Vondrousova will be play each other on Wednesday 2 July.
Raducanu is one of several British women through to the second round at Wimbledon – including Billie Jean King Cup teammates and British No.2 and No.3, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal.
You can watch Wimbledon live on the BBC, BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app.
