Emma Raducanu was unaware that the general election in the UK is happening on Thursday and has confirmed that she is not planning to vote.
After navigating a first-round match against Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua, which she won in two tight sets, Raducanu was untested against Elise Mertens in the second round.
She thrashed the Belgian 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday on Court 1 to progress into the third round of Wimbledon for the second time in her career (reached the fourth round in 2021).
In her post-match press conference, she was asked whether she intended to vote before heading to the practice courts on Thursday and if she would be tuning in to check the results in the evening.
“No, I think I’ll have a lie-in, then I’ll come to practise. I didn’t even know it was tomorrow, to be honest! Thanks for letting me know.”
Understandably, Raducanu’s focus right now is on tennis, and she’s been in great form coming to this year’s Wimbledon. Her decision to withdraw from the French Open qualifying tournament to begin early preparation on grass has been justified so far.
She’s been one of the star attractions this week on her first Wimbledon participation in two years. The 21-year-old has accepted Andy Murray’s request to play in mixed doubles in the Scotsman’s final Wimbledon, and the draw for that event has been revealed.
Raducanu’s next assignment is to face ninth seed Maria Sakkari in the third round of singles. She is not the only British player to prioritize Wimbledon over voting.
Fellow WTA players Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart, who are playing the opening match of the day on Court 1, are also set to miss out as they are not keen on taking their eyes off the ball.
“For me, I’m going to stick to the tennis right now. I don’t see myself as someone who’s going to get involved in anything but tennis that day for the moment. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”