NOT RAD FOR STARTERS

Corking win for Emma as she sees off fellow Brit Mimi

- ANDY DUNN

DURING the break at the end of the first set, someone in a prime seat on Court One decided to crack open a bottle of bubbly.

Fair enough, in that heat, it was thirsty work just watching.

And much to the amusement of Emma Raducanu, the cork popped violently, sailing over the British No.1's head.

Referring to the incident, she later told the crowd: "I'm glad you guys are having a good time." And in truth, the flying cork offered one of the few moments of danger for Raducanu, who was clearly relieved to get past exciting teenager, Mimi Xu, straight sets.

It was not champagne tennis - and it was not US Open 2021 vintage - but it was impressive enough against a fellow Brit who S ome thought would give in Raducanu some real problems.

"I'm really happy with how I toughed it out in the really crucial games and won the important points," Raducanu said.