Emma Raducanu could be set to open play on Wimbledon's Centre Court in place of Ash Barty following the Australian's retirement.
Wimbledon traditionally allows the defending champion to open the event in both gentlemen's and ladies' draws on the main court; however, that won't be possible this year as Ashleigh Barty retired from tennis.
The Australian fulfilled her longtime dream by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final and winning the Wimbledon title. It was a gripping three-setter, which the Australian won 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3, but it's one of the most memorable wins of her career, certainly alongside the 2022 Australian Open triumph, which was her last before she ended her career.
Since Barty won't play and currently enjoys surfing events as a spectator, reports are suggesting the event is pondering over several options, including several prominent players.
On Tuesday, Chairman of the All England Club Ian Hewitt confirmed that a decision on who would take Barty's place and be given the honor of opening the first round of play on the prestigious court had not yet been made, but a range of options were being considered.
Emma Raducanu is considered as a prominent and native player, however, the usual precedent has been that the official world number one opens the event if the defending player is not there.
Hewitt cited their recent decision to allow then-world No. 1 Barty to open play in 2021 when the defending 2019 champion Simona Halep was injured and unable to compete.
He also admitted that the same decision might not be taken this year, saying, "The world No 1, runner-up or other prominent players".
The decision is clearly yet to be made, but for home fans, seeing Emma Raducanu open the Centre Court would certainly be a fitting sight, as they would get to see her on the major stage as a Grand Slam champion for the first time on the home soil.
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