Emma Raducanu missed last year's grass season because of injuries, but she's back this year and is fully healthy.
The British player underwent triple surgery last year to address a number of physical problems that have plagued her for a while. It was something that needed to be done, and recovery took a long time.
She missed the entirety of the season after that injury but returned this year. She started out with some performances not up to her standartd but slowly started to improve, culminating in some impressive wins on clay.
Despite that good run on clay, Raducanu opted against playing at Roland Garros because she wanted to focus on grass preparation. It makes sense, as it's a surface where she can realistically do some damage.
Her style suits it well, and she's playing on home soil, so the crowd will heavily support her. Another important factor for her was to enter that stretch fully healthy, which she will.
"To be healthy and to be here, I need to cherish it. So thanks for reminding me to do that. Body-wise, physical-wise, I feel really healthy. I feel really strong. I’ve done amazing work with my trainer over the last few months, since surgery. I’m in a really fit place."
"I think my wrists are actually in a better position than they ever were. So there’s zero doubt or apprehension whether I’m hitting the ball or designing my schedule. It’s more about being proactive and not wanting to put yourself in any unnecessary situations."
The ultimate test for Raducanu will be the Nottingham Open. If she backs up her words with some amazing play and a good run, then she can be one of the dark horses also at SW19. Her goal is Wimbledon, and she's worked hard for it, so let's see whether she's capable of doing what she's hoping to do.