Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon opponent changes last minute due to illness

Emma Raducanu will get an easier opponent on paper when she takes to the court later this afternoon at Wimbledon to take Centre Stage after a late withdrawal from her initial opponent Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Raducanu was due to face a seed in Alexandrova who has grass court prowess winning a multitude of titles. But instead it will be a lucky loser for the former US Open champion.

Renata Zarazua lost out to McCartney Kessler in qualifying who will face Maria Sakkari in the opening round. The Mexican is at a career high of World No.95 right now but still failed to move through qualifying.

She now gets a late call up after a late withdrawal due to illness for Alexandrova only hours before. They will still play second up this afternoon on Centre Court but a different opponent.