Youngest British Woman To Reach Round Of 16 In Open Era

Emma Raducanu Makes History at Nottingham Open

Youngest British Woman to Reach Round of 16 in Open Era

British tennis player Emma Raducanu has made history at the Nottingham Open, becoming the youngest British woman to reach the Round of 16 in the Open Era. The 19-year-old defeated qualifier Ena Shibahara in the first round, dropping just five games in a dominant display. Raducanu is the first British teenager to reach the last 16 at a grass-court tournament since Laura Robson in 2013.

Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021, has struggled for form in recent months but looked impressive in her return to grass. She broke Shibahara's serve twice in the first set and raced through the second set to seal a 6-1, 6-1 victory. The win will give Raducanu a much-needed boost of confidence as she prepares for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27.

Raducanu said after the match: "It makes me feel better that I can still play at a high level. I've been working really hard on my game, and it's nice to see that it's paying off." She added: "I'm really looking forward to Wimbledon. I think I'm playing well enough to make a run in the tournament."