Emma Raducanu evokes spirit of England at Euro 2024 after winning ugly on Wimbledon return

Raducanu returning to SW19 after her US Open triumph last year

Brit Emma Raducanu admitted she channelled the spirit of England's gritty last-16 victory over Germany at Euro 2020 to grind out a difficult Wimbledon win on Monday

The 19-year-old looked out of sorts in the early stages of her first-round match against qualifier Caroline Dolehide, but a battling performance saw her secure a 6-1 6-2 victory on Centre Court.

Raducanu, who became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam in 44 years at Flushing Meadows last September, is embracing the pressure on her shoulders as the home favourite at Wimbledon.

And she believes her performance in battling past Dolehide was reminiscent of England's hard-fought 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley last summer.

"I think there are parallels to that match," said Raducanu. "It's kind of freeing, and in a weird way it's quite similar to the way I play. I don't necessarily play the prettiest tennis but I'm always going to try my best and try to find a way.

"That's kind of what the English way is, it's just about trying your best and just grinding it out, and I think that's why a lot of people get behind the team and behind me, because they can see that we're both kind of fighters."

Raducanu's victory sets up a second-round match against French player Alize Cornet, who beat Ashleigh Barty in round one last year.

The British No. 1 is bidding to become the first home women's champion since Virginia Wade in 1977.

WEB Wimbledon 2024 day one recap what you need to know

In the day's other big match, Carlos Alcaraz made a successful Wimbledon debut with a 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Jannik Sinner.

The 19-year-old Spaniard is widely considered to be the next Rafael Nadal and looked impressive in his first match on grass.

Alcaraz will now face Tallon Griekspoor in round two.

There were also wins for Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu and Ons Jabeur on day one of Wimbledon.

Gauff, the 18-year-old American, beat Caroline Dolehide 6-1 6-2 in an all-American clash.

Raducanu, the British No. 1, beat qualifier Caroline Dolehide 6-1 6-2.

Jabeur, the Tunisian No. 3 seed, beat Mirjam Bjorklund 6-1 6-3.

The 2024 Wimbledon Championships are the 135th edition of the tournament, and the third Grand Slam of the year.

The tournament is being held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England, from June 27 to July 10.