Raducanu, 21, missed the French Open on clay in order to concentrate on getting ready for the British grass season, and thus far, that choice appears to have paid off.
After making it to the Nottingham Open semifinals, the British player advanced to the Eastbourne quarterfinals, where she defeated world No. 5 Jessica Pegula of the United States.
Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 22nd seed, was supposed to be her opponent as she started her Wimbledon campaign, but the Russian withdrew early on Monday.
Raducanu faced fortunate loser Renata Zarazua instead, and after battling through the first set, she truly found her flow in the second.
Since winning the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has participated in six Grand Slam tournaments, although he has not advanced past the second round.
“I don’t have any expectations in terms of results,” stated Raducanu, who has had a difficult few years due to wrist and ankle ailments.
“I just have expectations of myself to really put myself on the line on the court and fight and not let any frustrations get to me.”
On Wednesday, Raducanu will play Mertens, a 2018 Australian Open semifinalist, on Court One.
