EMMA HAS BOTTLE TO BEAT HEAT

Raducanu so bubbly after seeing off rising star Mimi

- Andy Dunn

DURING the break at the end of the first set, someone in a prime seat on No.1 Court 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 the exciting British teenager, Mimi Xu, in straight sets.

It was not champagne tennis - and it was not US Open 2021 vintage but it was impressive enough against a rising star who some thought would pose problems for her fellow Brit.