Raducanu Triumphs on Centre Court Debut

Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates beating Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck during their women's singles tennis match on the first day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 27, 2022. (AFP)
Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates beating Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck during their women's singles tennis match on the first day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 27, 2022. (AFP)
TT
20

Raducanu Triumphs on Centre Court Debut

Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates beating Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck during their women's singles tennis match on the first day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 27, 2022. (AFP)
Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates beating Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck during their women's singles tennis match on the first day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 27, 2022. (AFP)

Britain's teenage US Open champion Emma Raducanu lived up to her star billing on her first appearance on Wimbledon's Centre Court by beating in-form Belgian Alison van Uytvanck 6-4 6-4 in the first round on Monday.

A year ago Raducanu reached the fourth round as an unknown wildcard before going on to win the US Open against impossible odds, but this time the 10th seed carried the hopes of a nation who have not seen a home women's champion since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Despite an injury-ravaged build-up that left her participation in doubt until a few days ago, Raducanu took the first set against the dangerous Belgian who had warmed up with two second-tier tournament victories on grass.

In a match low on consistent quality but with moments of drama, it was Raducanu who tightened the screw, finding her confidence and range to break for a 5-4 lead before serving out strongly to give the home fans the victory they so desperately craved.



Arsenal Defender Tomiyasu Undergoes Knee Surgery 

Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 23, 2024 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 23, 2024 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action. (Action Images via Reuters)
TT
20

Arsenal Defender Tomiyasu Undergoes Knee Surgery 

Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 23, 2024 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 23, 2024 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action. (Action Images via Reuters)

Takehiro Tomiyasu has become the latest Arsenal player to go under the knife after the Japanese defender said on Tuesday he had undergone surgery on his right knee.

The 26-year-old did not mention an expected return date though British media reported he would likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Tomiyasu is the third Arsenal player to have surgery over the past month following Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

"I've had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I've already started my rehab to do what I love the most again." Tomiyasu wrote on Instagram.

"It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won't give up."

The Japan international, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021, made 30 appearances last season but injury has limited him to playing just six minutes in the current campaign, coming on as a substitute against Southampton in a league game in October.

Arsenal, who trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by seven points, host West Ham United on Saturday.