Emma Raducanu opened her Wimbledon 2025 campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory over 17-year-old compatriot Mimi Xu, winning 6-3, 6-3 on a scorching 32°C day on No 1 Court. The all-British clash showcased the gulf in class and experience between the two, with Raducanu seizing control from the outset and never truly relinquishing it.
Both players wore matching outfits and visors, adding a layer of symmetry to a contest that otherwise proved one-sided. Xu, ranked No 300 in the world and making her grand slam main draw debut, faced a tough initiation against the British No 1 and 2021 US Open champion.
Raducanu’s dominance was clear early on. Xu began nervously with a double fault, and Raducanu capitalised immediately, breaking serve in the opening game. A love hold that included a backhand winner and a blistering ace reinforced the older Briton’s authority. She won eight of the first nine points, leaving Xu scrambling to settle into the match.
The young Welsh player found some footing midway through the first set, delivering a 116mph serve and holding once with confidence. But inconsistency and risky drop shots gave Raducanu ample opportunities to pounce. A second break followed as Raducanu raced to a 5-2 lead, and though Xu put up brief resistance, she conceded the first set 6-3.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Raducanu broke early again, using her precision groundstrokes to stretch Xu across the court. Xu showed resilience, saving multiple break points with an ace and a crisp volley, but ultimately succumbed to Raducanu’s consistent pressure.
In a surprising twist, Xu broke back from 40-0 down and then earned another break with a powerful crosscourt forehand. Yet Raducanu responded immediately, breaking back once more in a flurry of sharp forehands. The two exchanged five consecutive service breaks, but Raducanu held firm in the end, reasserting her control with calm execution.
The final game saw Raducanu recover from 30-0 down, sealing the win with composed serving and clinical shot selection. While Xu impressed in flashes—especially during the second set—her inexperience was evident against a player of Raducanu’s calibre.
Next up for Raducanu is a far sterner test against Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion and recent Berlin Open winner. Acknowledging the challenge, Raducanu noted she would need to raise her game significantly to advance further. But for now, her opening-round performance reaffirmed her credentials as a serious contender at SW19.
