Emma Raducanu all business in opening win over fellow Brit Mimi Xu at Wimbledon

The comments prior to Raducanu's showdown with British teenager Xu were all cordial, but the smiles were wiped away the moment the first ball was struck on No.1 Court.

Raducanu has shared a court with Xu as she has worked her way through the ranks of the British game, but she was in no mood to show her any charity in the opening round of Wimbledon.

From the off, Raducanu made it clear that she meant business, with her vocal cries to toast the early points she won, sending a message to her youthful rival.

To her credit, Xu fought hard and can take great credit for her performance, but this looked like a more hardened version of Raducanu than we have seen at times over the last few years.

She also let out big roars when she won points, with Raducanu's eagerness to join the battle a facet of her personality that has not always been on show.

Her trademark smile was there for all to see at the end of the match, but the handshake she exchanged with Xu at the net lacked any warmth as she needed to avoid what could have been a major humiliation against her domestic rival.

This was business for Raducanu and with the back problem that has been troubling her for some time apparently under control, she spoke with confidence as she looked forward to round two.

"I'm super pleased to have come through, it's so difficult playing another Brit first up," said Raducanu.

"Mimi is a really dangerous player, she's so young and she's got some weapons at her disposal."

"It was a really nice atmosphere. I had some really good patches and I had some moments where I lost my focus. I'm really happy with how I toughed it out and won the important points today.

"I'm glad people were having fun today. I saw a champagne cork fly onto the court, cheers to you! I love playing in this atmosphere, it's my favourite tournament by far."

This was a solid performance from Raducanu as she was under huge pressure to deliver in this match.

Her levels were high as she rocked Xu onto the ropes and what comes next will be even more daunting for Raducanu.

Raducanu has a very challenging draw as 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova will now lie in wait in the second round on Wednesday.

The Brit may be ranked higher than her opponent from Czechia, but she will have to produce one of her best performances on grass to get through against the in-form Vondrousova.

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