Tennis fans camped out overnight at Wimbledon hoping to be at the head of the queue for tickets to see Emma Radacanu make her Centre Court debut tomorrow.
Tents were pitched in rows at Wimbledon Park, south west London, as 19-year-old Emma trained on the practice courts before checking out Centre Court, where she plays Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium tomorrow.
Andy Murray, 35, plays Australia’s James Duckworth afterwards in a bumper first day of action at the tournament, which is returning to full capacity for the first time since 2019.
They settled into their makeshift camp enjoying the sunshine ahead of queues tomorrow.
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They are typically given a numbered queue card by stewards.
When Radacanu declared herself fit to play after injury scares, tickets on re-sale sites surged, Viagogo offering VIP seats for £2,700.
She said: “It’s full steam ahead.”
Her fitness remains a doubt after playing only 34 minutes on grass this season after pulling out of the Nottingham Open with a side strain. But her young career also has to be kept in context.
Murray made his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon in 2005 as an 18-year-old – and won his first Major over seven years later. Raducanu is not 20 until November.
Taking to the most famous stage in tennis on Centre Court is the latest chapter in her story over the last year.
