Why I fancy Emma Raducanu’s chances of winning Wimbledon

I just stuck £15 on Emma Raducanu to win Wimbledon at 22/1 — and I think you should too. I’m no tennis expert, far from it, but I’ve a reasonable sports betting record and like many others I’ve watched Emma with patriotic enthusiasm over the last two years.

It’s quite easy to see when she’s hitting form. And, in her victory last night over Alison van Uytvanck, we saw that raw and ridiculous talent that propelled her towards the US Open title last year coming back.

Raducanu is a hot streak player — and her hottest streak yet came in America last year, when she just started blasting her way past various high quality opponents to become the first singles qualifier in the Open Era to win a grand slam.

Emma struggles with nerves, famously. It’s possible, I suppose, that she’ll slip up today against the French Caroline Garcia, the former world number 4 she beat in three sets at Indian Wells three months ago.

But she can also, Rafael Nadal-like, channel her anxiety into genius. She thrives on big occasions and famous courts. She suggested on Monday that she had ‘figured out’ Centre Court, which implies that highly intelligent brain of hers has got to grips with particular angles and dynamics of the most famous tennis arena in the world.

As the crowd cheered her on to the court, you could see the confidence spread across her face.

As she put it, ‘It feels incredible. From the moment the doors opened, I completely cherished every moment. I feel like everyone is so behind me.’

‘I've been feeling it (crowd support) ever since I stepped on to the practice courts, people behind me going, “Emma, you've got this”. And I'm like, “Yeah, I've got this”’, said Raducanu.

Emma’s game is at its best when she plays aggressive tennis and gets her counter-punch, down-the-line backhand firing. We saw that on Monday. She looks fit, too. There was little sign of the side-strain that forced her to abandon her first grass court match of the season, and her back issues appear to be behind her.

The biggest concern was the Tiffany jewellery that hung expensively from her ears and neck —which no doubt she’s been paid a fortune to wear. But it didn’t look very suitable for an elite athlete trying to win a major sports event. Leave the bling for the red carpet, Emma.

Still, the stars could be aligning. British tennis-mania irritates snobs and anti-snobs who regard Wimbledon as a disgusting flag-shagging and middle-class event.

As inflation impoverishes everyone and a general gloom about the coming winter descends, a brilliant run by Emma at this year’s championships could be exactly the boon this country needs.

So, sod it — come on, Emma. You got this.