Emma Raducanu admits she was nervous before teaming up with British number one Katie Boulter to seal a a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Wu Fang-Hsien and Jiang Xinyu.
The 2021 US Open champion is not a doubles expert and has only played in the format on one previous occasion when she partnered Clara Tauson in round one of the 2022 Washington Open.
Many fans at Queen’s club emptied out of Centre Court singles action to watch Raducanu and she made an honest confession as she spoke to the media.
“I was actually very nervous before the match,” said Raducanu. “I don’t know if Katie could tell.
“Probably more nervous than the singles, because I just didn’t really necessarily know what to do, but I’m really happy once we got out there.
“Katie made me feel so comfortable, and I’m just so pleased to get a win on the board. It kind of came spontaneously, like all things do with us, but it went pretty well.
“We’re just going to keep trying to do as best as we can this week and take it from there.
She added: “I think on the grass, it’s a very quick change to grass from clay, and it’s a very different surface. So I think it helps us to try and get a feel for serving, returning, and playing some live points.
“We are playing Billie Jean King Cup, and we want to put ourselves in the best position possible. So for us, as well, to kind of get some matches on the court together is just good preparation for that, too.”
The cheers wer echoing around the main show court at Queen’s as the match point was won by Raducanu and Boulter, with the tight surrounds of the second show court at the WTA 500 tournament appealing to Raducanu.
“I think sometimes on the smaller courts you get a bigger feel for the match and the atmosphere and the environment because it’s a lot closer, more intimate, and you hear the support more,” she said.
