Emma Raducanu has revealed that she was unware voting for the UK general election was taking place today, after her sensational second round Wimbledon win.
Brits are taking to the polls to vote in what is expected to be a Labour landslide, following weeks of campaigning from the political parties.
However, the former US Open champion was not one planning her day around a trip to the ballot box as she revealed that she did not know Thursday was voting day.
Having made light work of Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday afternoon, the 21-year-old was asked if she intended to vote before her practice session the following day.
‘No,’ she replied. ‘I think I’ll have a lie-in, then I’ll come to practice. I didn’t even know it was tomorrow, to be honest! Thanks for letting me know.’
Emma Raducanu has revealed that she was unware voting for the UK general election was taking place on Thursday
The 21-year-old progressed to the Wimbledon third round after a straight sets victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens
Raducanu can be forgiven for focusing all of her attention on the tournament at SW19 and on the evidence of her first two performances, the effort has not been in vain.
The former British number one sparkled on Court One under the roof as she recaptured the kind of form that saw her win her first Grand Slam at the tender age of 18 in 2021.
Raducanu was repeatedly interrupted by a cheering buoyant crowd as she spoke on court with a Wimbledon towel draped over her shoulders after her impressive win.
‘I think I played some really good tennis today I’m really pleased,’ she said. ‘I’m over the moon to be playing here and just extend my stay.
‘With the roof closed it was super loud and I’m so grateful to all the support today. I’m really appreciative to everyone making a lot of noise.’
Raducanu lived up to her vow to ‘put it on the line and fight’ in her second round match against Mertens.
She said ahead of the match on Court One: ‘Results-wise I have no expectations.
‘I just have expectations of myself to really put myself on the line on the court and fight and not let any frustrations get to me.’
Raducanu walked onto the court with a smile and a wave with noticeable number of empty seats as the Wimbledon crowd cheered and clapped.
The former British number one was one of four Grand Slam champions to receive a wildcard to play on the famous grass at Wimbledon following an injury ravaged 12 months.
Raducanu, who faces ninth seed Maria Sakkar on Friday, is not the only tennis star to not averted their gaze from the All England Club.
British No 1 Katie Boulter told reporters she would ‘stick to the tennis right now’ when asked whether she would be voting before her clash with fellow Brit Harriet Dart
British No 1 Katie Boulter told reporters she would ‘stick to the tennis right now’ when asked whether she would be voting before her second-round match against fellow Briton Harriet Dart.
‘I don’t see myself as someone who’s going to get involved in anything but tennis that day for the moment.’ Boulter said during a press conference on Tuesday. ‘I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.’
Similarly Dart, the British No 2, said she had not given voting ‘much thought’ even though her sister works for an MP. ‘I’m sure she’ll be on at me to vote. But yeah, we’ll see.’ She added.
