Emma Raducanu will make her first competitive appearance in England since her US Open triumph at Nottingham next week. The 19-year-old’s second-round exit from the French Open means she will start her grass-court campaign a week earlier than initially intended.
Raducanu and fellow Briton Dan Evans have been given wildcards for the Rothesay Open Nottingham, which gets under way next Monday. Raducanu said: “I’m excited to return to Nottingham and it will be a great opportunity to play in front of British crowds for the first time this year.
“This event will always be special to me as I played my first tournament on the WTA Tour here last June and I can’t wait to go back.”
British number two Evans will join the likes of former top-10 players Jack Sock and Fernando Verdasco, as well British duo Liam Broady and Jay Clarke, in the ATP event.
“The grass court season is always a special time for British players and I can’t wait to get back to Nottingham and play on courts that are always in such good condition,” said Evans.
“The home fans are always vocal in their backing and hopefully I can give them something to cheer.” Raducanu recently revealed her desire to “just once in my lifetime” play doubles with Andy Murray at Wimbledon during an interview with Elle.
And three-time grand slam winner Murray opened the door for it to happen after he started his grass-court season with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Jurij Rodionov at Surbiton on Monday. “Actually last year we were maybe going to do it but we both ended up doing well in singles’,” the double Wimbledon singles champion revealed.
“Look, yeah I would love to play (doubles) with Emma at some stage. Whether that is something that works this year or not, I don’t know. I am sure both of our focuses will be on having good runs in the singles but I would love to do that.”
