On a sun-drenched Monday, June 30, 2025, Emma Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1 and the 2021 US Open champion, kicked off her Wimbledon campaign with a blend of poise and playfulness, navigating both a formidable opponent and an unexpected interruption. Facing 17-year-old compatriot Mingge “Mimi” Xu on Court No. 1, Raducanu secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory in a brisk one hour and 25 minutes, advancing to the second round of her “favourite tournament by far.” But it was a rogue champagne cork soaring onto the court that stole the show, prompting a lighthearted moment that captured the hearts of the Wimbledon crowd.
The all-British clash, the first of its kind in the women’s singles first round since 2011, carried an air of awkwardness for Raducanu. “When the draw came out, I can’t say I was loving it,” she admitted post-match, acknowledging the challenge of facing a fellow Brit. Xu, a wildcard making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, brought youthful energy and flashes of brilliance, having earned her spot with a strong showing in Nottingham earlier in the season. Despite her ranking of No. 318, Xu held her own, particularly in a topsy-turvy second set where she twice broke Raducanu’s serve. Yet, Raducanu’s experience shone through, as she delivered 25 winners against just 12 unforced errors, showcasing the free-hitting style that has fueled her resurgence on grass.
The match’s most memorable moment came during a changeover after Raducanu clinched the first set. As she rested at her bench, a spectator’s exuberant bottle-popping sent a champagne cork flying over her head, landing in the service box. The 22-year-old, unfazed, picked up the cork with a chuckle, waved it to the crowd, and playfully offered it back, turning litter-picker for a moment. “It was a first,” she said with a grin. “Pretty entertaining. I’m glad they were having a good time. It loosened me up a bit at the end of the first set. I can’t not laugh at that.” The crowd roared with approval, their enthusiasm amplifying the festive atmosphere on a day that saw seven British players reach the second round—a historic feat in the Open Era.
Raducanu’s performance was a testament to her growing comfort at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021 as an 18-year-old wildcard. Her recent grass-court form, including two WTA quarterfinals and a return to the world’s top 40, signaled a player rediscovering her spark. Guided by coach Mark Petchey, whom she rated “11 out of 10” post-match, and with childhood coach Nick Cavaday back in her corner, Raducanu appeared at ease despite a challenging lead-up marred by a back injury and an emotional exit in Eastbourne. “I’m super pleased to have come through that match,” she said. “Mimi is a really dangerous player. She’s so young and has some amazing weapons at her disposal.”
Xu, the first Welsh woman in the Wimbledon main draw in 20 years, relished the experience despite the loss. “It’s such an honour to play against her on my debut,” she said, noting their familiarity from training together at the National Tennis Centre. “She’s such a hard worker.” The teenager’s aggressive play, particularly in the second set, earned cheers from Welsh fans, but Raducanu’s early breaks in both sets and a decisive forehand winner at 4-2 in the second sealed her victory.
Looking ahead, Raducanu faces a formidable challenge in the second round against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who dispatched No. 32 seed McCartney Kessler in straight sets. “She’s an amazing grass-court player,” Raducanu said of Vondrousova, who recently won the Berlin WTA 500 title. “I’m going to need to play very well to get over the line.” Their 2021 Wimbledon encounter, a straight-sets win for Raducanu, marked her breakout moment, but Vondrousova’s recent form promises a tougher battle.
The champagne cork incident, though missed by BBC cameras, which cut to first-set statistics, became a viral moment, with Raducanu’s playful response endearing her further to fans. “I love playing in this atmosphere,” she said, soaking in the support. As she prepares for Vondrousova, Raducanu’s blend of resilience, humor, and talent ensures her Wimbledon journey remains one to watch, with the home crowd firmly behind their star.
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