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David Beckham and Emma Raducanu, pic: x

Xtra Time Web Desk: Home favourite Emma Raducanu marked her return to Wimbledon with a determined victory over Mexico's Renata Zarazua, winning 7-6 (0), 6-3 in the women's singles first round on Monday, 1st July. Raducanu's path was unexpectedly eased when 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, her original opponent, withdrew due to illness on the morning of the match. 

Raducanu, cheered on by a supportive local crowd at the centre court, battled through a tough first set before dominating the second to secure her spot in the second round. She credited the England football team's performances at Euro 2024 as a source of inspiration for her comeback run at Wimbledon.

Read More: Euro Cup 2024: Watching son perform for the final time in the Euro, Ronaldo’s mother couldn’t hold her tears!

Watch video: 

Emma Raducanu after getting 1st win at Wimbledon since 2022:

“You have to just do what it takes to get over the line. Honestly watching the football last night, it was like winning ugly. It all counts!”????

*camera pans over to David Beckham*

Cinema. ????????????????????????????

pic.twitter.com/Kjb9STyPZc

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 1, 2024

"You have to just do what it takes to get over the line. Honestly, watching the football last night, it was like winning ugly. It all counts!" Raducanu said, eliciting laughter and cheers from the crowd.

Football superstar David Beckham, who was part of the audience, also laughed as the cameras panned to him following Raducanu's comments. She was referring to England's hard-fought victories at Euro 2024, particularly their 2-1 comeback win against Slovakia in the Round of 16.

Read More: Euro Cup 2024: Is Ronaldo’s career shadowed forever since the defeat in World Cup 2022?

England manager Gareth Southgate has faced criticism for the team's cautious approach during the tournament. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville even compared their recent match to England's shocking exit against Iceland in the 2016 European Championship. "I was sat on a bench in Nice eight years ago when England played Iceland -- this has got Iceland vibes written all over it," Neville remarked on Sunday, 30th June.

Raducanu has also shown her support for the England men's football team by wearing the official Three Lions shirt during her training sessions at Wimbledon. Returning to the grass-court Grand Slam with confidence, she had already impressed by defeating former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens and American world number five Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne last week.