"When I think of Wimbledon, I think of Andy" Emma Raducanu wishes 'hero' Andy Murray luck ahead of Wimbledon opener

Britain’s young tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed that former world number one Andy Murray is her ‘hero’. The 21-year-old was once regarded as the next big thing in women’s tennis, especially when she lifted the US Open at 18 in 2021. That victory was most special because Raducanu started the competition in a qualifying round. She defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final in straight sets to lift her title.

Raducanu was recently quoted in a report where she stated her excitement to meet one of her all-time favourite player on the court just before the start of the Wimbledon 2024. “I’m very happy to see him here,” she said. “When I think of Wimbledon, I think of Andy. Because growing up, that was the generation, the hero that I would look up to. I think it just feels right. I really hope that Tuesday or whenever he’s playing, that he’s on the match court.”

The third Grand Slam of the year will begin from Monday where players from all over the world will participate and battle to secure the ultimate prize. All the eyes, however, will on one player — Britain’s Murray. The 37-year-old, who is often regarded as one of the best British players to have played the game in the men’s singles category, has already announced that he is considering retirement after the upcoming Wimbledon and Paris Olympics.

The former world number one has struggled with fitness concerns throughout his career and it was because of this reason, he announced retirement from professional tennis just after the Australian Open in 2018. However, Murray returned to the court after a while and has continued to play until now.

The Glasgow-born has once again struggled with fitness concerns. He first suffered an ankle injury, which kept him out of action for two months. Most recently, he suffered a back injury and was forced to withdraw from the Queen’s ATP Championship. He will face Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in the opening round of the competition on Tuesday.