Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, as the two British number ones, will go into Wimbledon full of hope.
And, in turn, the nation will be equally as expectant that strong performances should follow.
The British media can be scathing at times, but it does do a remarkable job of building up talent to the point where the whole country can get on board.
The only issue is that it arguably then does an even better job of tearing them down when they fail to live up to expectations.
With that in mind, Emma Raducanu, as a Grand Slam winner, has been asked to offer Jack Draper some advice ahead of their return to Wimbledon later this month.
Emma Raducanu offers Wimbledon advice for Jack Draper
First touching on the Queen’s home crowd, she stated in her post-match interview: ’I mean, the atmosphere here, the last matches I’ve played, singles, doubles, it’s been amazing. Even for the doubles, you know, there’s full stands on a big court. It’s really nice to feel the support, feel the love and I love playing in moments like this with big crowds and, yeah, they’re all supporting me, which is nice playing is a Brit here and, yeah, I mean, it’s been a really nice event of HSBC Championships and I’m so happy that the women have an event on.
‘Yeah, I love it. I hope that the tournament can stay here for longer.’
Jack Draper & Emma Raducanu’s last 4 Wimbledon performances
Then asked about how that might translate to Wimbledon, and how Draper might deal with the improved weight of expectation, Raducanu suggested that he might not need her help: ‘I know Jack is an incredible competitor, great tennis player and I think when he’s out there in those moments on the court all he is seeing that yellow tennis ball and I think he shuts off the crowd and the pressure really well.
‘He competes incredibly well and I think he’ll do just fine.’
The 22-year-old finished by suggesting that the pressure of a home crowd has both its benefits and negatives: ‘I think in the beginning, before my first round here, I was very nervous, but as I kind of get out on the court and I see how much the crowd is pulling and how much enjoyment I’m also having out there, I think there are certain moments on the court where like, I’m smiling and it’s just spontaneous and it comes out, and I think that is when I’m at my best.
‘But yeah, it’s definitely emphasised by, you know, playing here and it’s an amazing crowd and, you know, the support as well.’
Greg Rusedski has predicted how far Draper will go at Wimbledon, and is one of many who is very positive about the 22-year-old’s chances.
Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu lead British hopes at Wimbledon
Given both are now the new British number ones on the men’s and women’s side respectively, it should come as no surprise that Draper and Raducanu will uphold the bulk of British hopes at Wimbledon.
The former in particular has climbed as high as fourth in the world, and has the perfect game to trouble the very best on grass.
Raducanu, meanwhile, has already proven herself a threat at the All-England club, having stormed into the fourth round in 2024. This year, her preparation has arguably only been better, and thus she could be expected to better that performance.
Stars like Katie Boulter, Cam Norrie and Sonay Kartal will not be far behind in terms of seeking to challenge too, with there being a strong pool of British contenders set to compete at Wimbledon.
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images
However, it only really feels like Draper could truly threaten the title, unless Raducanu sneaks into a seeded spot and gathers some momentum in the draw.
Currently ranked 37th in the world though, there’s every chance she might accomplish this.