Emma Raducanu’s opponent Caroline Garcia outlines ‘aggressive’ approach ahead of Wimbledon clash

It has been 11 long years since Caroline Garcia was tipped to be a future world No.1 by none other than Andy Murray.
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At the time, the young Frenchwoman was putting on a clinic against Maria Sharapova at the peak of her powers in the second round at Roland Garros.

More than a decade on, it is fair to say that Murray’s prediction is unlikely to come true. That day, Sharapova, who has been retired for two years, came from behind to knock out Garcia.

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And while the now 28-year-old did make it as high as No.4 in the world as well as winning a couple of Grand Slam doubles titles, she has since dropped out of the top 50 ahead of a second-round clash with Emma Raducanu.

That is not to say that she should be a straightforward opponent for the British No.1, Garcia has pedigree on grass, including a recent tournament win in Bad Homburg in which she beat former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in the final.

Emma Raducanu celebrates match point against Caroline Garcia in Indian Wells, last March. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Emma Raducanu celebrates match point against Caroline Garcia in Indian Wells, last March. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Emma Raducanu celebrates match point against Caroline Garcia in Indian Wells, last March. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Beating the reigning champion from Flushing Meadows might be another matter entirely.

Raducanu won the only previous meeting, a three-set victory on the hard courts of Indian Wells. And after a strong run to the fourth round at SW19 last year, as well as a straight-sets success to open her account this week, the teenager has strong credentials of her own on grass.

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For Garcia, who has never played on Centre Court at the All England Club, the prospect of taking on a home favourite is one that she is taking in her stride.

“It’s going to be my first match on Centre Court, and it’s always a pleasure to be playing on the big courts of the slams, and the one of Wimbledon is very special,” she said.

“The roof is definitely good news. At least you know you are going to play and you don’t have to wait. It’s going to be a great atmosphere. Really looking forward to it.

“It was my first time playing against her a few months ago, and she’s a very new player so you don’t know much about her.

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“She’s doing her way and doing very well. I will have to play my game, try to be aggressive. I think she played well last year here, so she likes the grass court from Wimbledon.

“We played in hard court the last time, and it was three-setter. I don’t know which one is the best. I just know the next one is on grass, and I will try my best to do the best I can.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA Website

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