Emma Raducanu becomes British No1 for first time in two years after beating star who's blind in one eye at Queen's
EMMA RADUCANU became British No.1 for the first time in two years – and then welcomed Wimbledon's player security boost.
A 6-4 6-1 crushing of Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova, who is blind in her left eye, put
3
Rebecca Sramkova congratulates Emma Raducanu on victory
Credit: Getty
3
Raducanu says she loved playing in front of big crowds
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Following doubles pal
Raducanu, 22, said: 'I'm really pleased to get through that.
'I don't think it was my cleanest performance but I'm really pleased to push through in the tight moments.
'I love playing in moments like this with big crowds. They're all supporting me, which is nice.
READ MORE ON TENNIS
'Having Katie in front, it was nice for me to have something to chase. Now I'm sure she's going to enjoy that with me.
'The grass season is still young, and so is the rest of the season.
'We have a healthy competition between us two. I want to see her do well. She wants to see me do well. It was nice to also play doubles with her this week.'
Ahead of the 2025 Championships,
Most read in Sport
3
Raducanu was delighted to hear of new Wimbledon security measures
Credit: PA
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Raducanu was stalked by a man across multiple countries earlier this year and burst into tears when she spotted the individual in the stands for her match in Dubai.
Boulter, 28, has also spoken in the past about the horrific abuse she has received online – and how she was once followed in a car by a stranger.
'It's wildly inappropriate' - Moment Emma Raducanu's opponent intervenes and ushers cameraman away
Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton said: 'The safety and wellbeing of all of the players is our absolute top priority.
'The recent incidents coming to light certainly recognise the concern that has been generated by that.
'But we have in place – and have had for many years – processes for ensuring the safety of our players.
'That is in liaison with law enforcement agencies, specialist security teams and we liaise with both tours.
'And that is year-round, not just in preparation for The Championships.'
Raducanu welcomed the news, saying: 'I think feeling safe, feeling secure is extremely important. You know, playing at home, there is heightened tension.
'But for me, whenever I played at Wimbledon, I felt very well protected, very safe.
'I'm looking forward to going there, and I don't think I will feel much of a difference.'
Qualifier Heather Watson rode on a Lime electric bike to Queen's but was soon on her bike out of the tournament, losing 6-4 6-2 to former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Leinster v Bulls: URC final head to heads for Croke Park collision
While Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw are absent, Leinster do welcome back two British and Irish Lions in Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier for their showdown with a Bulls side that is battle-hardened and determined to finish the season on a high this time. Croke Park has been a happy hunting ground for Leo Cullen's side over the past two seasons, but they need to win silverware having failed to get over the line in every final they have played since their 2021 URC final success. Here MirrorSport takes a look at three crucial head to heads with both sides "desperate", as Bulls star Marcell Coetzee said during the week, to lift the trophy. Sam Prendergast v Johan Goosen Serious spotlight on 22-year-old Prendergast, who Leo Cullen is keeping faith with after a series of patchy performances. Needs to improve his goal kicking. The Bulls' pivot is 10 years older and returned to action last week with a superb display against the Sharks. Andrew Porter v Wilco Louw With Clarkson facing Wessels in a battle of the newer Test props on the other side of the scrum, Porter must step up a few levels after bossing Glasgow's reserve tighthead Fin Richardson last week. Louw is a heavyweight Springboks performer in the URC's best scrummaging unit. Jimmy O'Brien v Willie le Roux Massive day for the Eadestown man as, in the absence of Hugo Keenan, he is tasked with dealing with the Bulls' effective kicking game that will stem from le Roux's boot. The two-time World Cup winner caused Leinster major issues in last year's semi-final.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd files: Victor Osimhen is shock Plan B to Viktor Gyokeres transfer but huge wages will cause major dilemma
NIGERIAN ace Victor Osimhen is emerging as a genuine back-up plan if Manchester United's move for Viktor Gyokeres falls through. Swede 8 Man Utd will consider a move for Victor Osimhen if they can't sign Viktor Gyokeres Credit: Getty 8 Gyokeres is United's No1 target Credit: Getty But while The Nigerian Osimhen, 26, bagged 32 goals in 37 appearances for the Istanbul club, who want him to stay but have also seen Saudi clubs including Al-Hilal join a bidding war. So far, though, no deal has been agreed, with Osimhen seemingly ready to consider all his options - including a potential move to the Premier League. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But the striker's Galatasaray contract is understood to be worth £300,000 per week after tax, which would equate to around £500,000 weekly in the UK - a figure United cannot afford to pay. Nevertheless, a move has not been ruled out amid uncertainty over the Gyokeres situation, although no matter who arrives - following SOLD TRAFFORD? TALKING of players set to go through the exit doors - and at least United should be able to cash in on two of those felt least likely to have a future under Amorim. Number crunchers at the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory have unveiled their updated list of the 100 most valuable players in global football. Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Top of the rankings, which features Prem clubs dominate the list, with 42 of the top 100 making their living in England. Liverpool's £100m Barcola bid / Gyokeres forces Man Utd move / Grealish City axe | Transfers Exposed But in a worrying sign of what has gone wrong at Old Trafford over the past decade, the only two United players in the list are unwanted Dane Hojlund is 52nd, rated as worth £68m. Given his struggles to establish himself since his Garnacho is ranked 85th and valued at £54m - a sum which would be 'pure profit' in PSR terms if a deal was made. 8 Rasmus Hojlund is rated as worth £68m Credit: Getty 8 Alejandro Garnacho is set to leave Man Utd this summer Credit: Getty CLIFFE JUMP SOME rare good United news off the pitch for United shares dropped to less than £10 each in the immediate aftermath of the It was a public response to That meant the club's market capitalisation - its value in terms of the share price - had plummeted from the £4.54bn implied by Ratcliffe's purchases to just £1.72bn. But the past month has seen a change in fortunes, with the price of shares on the New York Stock Exchange briefly touching a 2025 high of £14.51 each on Monday. At close of business on Wednesday that price had dropped slightly but the total value of the club has recovered to a fraction under £2.5bn. Sir Jim will be hoping for a similar recovery on the pitch next term. 8 Man Utd's share price has bounced back - three weeks on from the club's Europa League final defeat Credit: Alamy IN THE RED THE Glazer debt is still taking a heavy toll on Old Trafford - as outlined by the latest Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance. According to the latest figures, while United's net debt of £482m is significantly less than the £793m owed by United's debt repayments stood at £61m per year in 2023-24, compared to the £47m cost of meeting Tottenham's schedule. Deloitte reported that United's wage bill in the last full season under But the price of past transfer mistakes is crippling, with United losing £186m in 'amortisation costs' - the amount of each player's first contract after being bought divided by its length in that season - while Ineos made a further £159m cash injection. 8 The Glazer debt is still taking a heavy toll on Old Trafford Credit: AFP LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION TRYING to put a positive spin on Manchester United is not easy – particularly when the Red Devils have a year like last season. So perhaps it is no surprise that the Red Devils currently have two jobs being advertised for their in house media department at Old Trafford. They are searching for a director of communications and a media director as they begin preparations for the 2025/26 season. OH MAN MANUEL UGARTE might be in line for a ticking off when he returns to Carrington for pre-season training early next month. The Uruguayan midfielder went early by unveiling Perhaps it was due to the time difference being in South America during his time off but plenty of eagle-eyed United fans spotted the mix up. 8 Manuel Ugarte leaked the new United kit early Credit: Getty MAKING HIS MARC MARCUS RASHFORD is obviously keen to show his admirers he is returning to full fitness after injury wrecked his final few weeks at The He also uploaded footage of him playing padel – which prompted a couple of cheeky replies from ex team-mates Rashford is aware there is unlikely to be a way back for him at Old Trafford so the clock is ticking for him to find a new club. It is just over three weeks until United return to training at Carrington and Rashford will be keen to avoid an uncomfortable few days by finding a new club before then. 8 Marcus Rashford is keen to find a new club before pre-season Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I've found a beautiful 15-2 tip at York that can build the bank for Royal Ascot
THIS weekend is very much the calm before the Royal Ascot storm - but I still reckon I've managed to unearth a tasty punt. I'm hoping to warm up for the big meeting with a decent eachway run from Blue For You in the 7f handicap at York. Advertisement 1 The stage is set for a huge week at Royal Ascot - but I reckon I can find a winner to boost our coffers before then Credit: Getty My selection is handicapped to go well for David O'Meara and Danny Tudhope. To be honest I don't often get this yard right, but I think Blue For You is worth taking a risk on as an animal who loves the track. Blue For You usually goes over a mile, and was a winner at York in July of last year off 95. Having not scored since, he's on 95 again now, and he had a perfectly decent run over 7f at Haydock in April. Advertisement He's hard to predict but a few quid each-way is, in my opinion, well worth it. Elsewhere at York I wonder if some headgear will spark up Chillingham? Time will tell… but I'll give him a go each-way too. Meanwhile, the Greyhound Derby final is here and it's the defending champion against a fellow Irish champion in a right old smashup. That's what we get in the climax of the coveted £175,000 Starsports Greyhound Derby at Towcester on Saturday night, which promises to be an absolute belter. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing De Lahdedah, handled by Liam Dowling, bids to become just the fifth greyhound in history to achieve back-to-back successes. And remember those that have done so are names from yesteryear that will always live long in the memory of dog loving fans. Think Mick the Miller (1929-30), Patricias Hope (1972-3), Rapid Ranger (2000-1) and my personal favourite Westmead Hawk (2005-6). But to score, De Lahdedah will have to destroy Graham Holland's Bockos Diamond, who aims to make history and do something only Toms the Best has ever achieved, and that's to land the Irish and English Derby. Advertisement This is a proper race, and after ITV duties at York I'm dashing straight to Towcester to enjoy the moment. I hope you will be there to. Those in charge have put on loads of entertainment and music throughout the day. It will be a party atmosphere. So come on down and say hello. If you can't get to watch the race live on track, then remember all the action can be seen on the Gone to the Dogs live channel. You'll find it with a simple 'Google' search. Advertisement And if you are a dog lover, don't forget there is a Just Giving page to support the rehoming of greyhounds. Any support is always welcome and it's something the game takes very seriously. So who will win? And is this a two dog race? Well the answer to the latter question is clearly no. We have all been around too long to dismiss the unexpected. Advertisement As is always the case in greyhound racing, though, the draw is crucial and Bockos Diamond is plotted up in the black and white stripes of Trap 6, with kennel companion Cheap Sandwiches next to him in the orange of Trap 5. That also happened in the semi-finals, when Bockos Diamond destroyed Cheap Sandwiches for early pace. The former doesn't always get out as quickly as he did that day, in an impressive 3.95s. But Trap 6 seems to be the spot where he traps best. Cheap Sandwiches also chased home Bockos Diamond in his Irish Derby victory, where the latter dashed better early pace despite not getting an electric start. Advertisement Some have a theory that the inside of the track is the place to be at Towcester, and that means De Lahdedah will have plenty of supporters. He's in the white jacket of Trap 3, and that box holds no terrors for him, although he landed his semi-final from the blue of Trap 2. De Lahdedah will need luck in the early stages, as he's a strong stayer who lacks early dash. He does, however, have tremendous track craft and he'll keep plugging away. Advertisement If Bockos Diamond gets away I can't see him being picked up, but we are talking narrow margins here. It just promises to be a wonderful event, and greyhounds are beautiful animals to watch in fluent motion. Their long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allow them to reach speeds of 40mph. Bockos Diamond will need to use all those attributes at 9.15pm tonight. Shine bright Bockos, like a diamond. Advertisement FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
