Eight Brits looking to become the next Emma Raducanu as Wimbledon qualifying gets underway

As qualifying for the main men's draw at Wimbledon gets underway today, there is a range of British tennis stars looking to emulate the success of Emma Raducanu and make an impression at the highest level. The then 18-year-old Raducanu won the hearts of the nation during her run to the fourth round of the tournament in 2021, becoming the youngest Brit woman to reach the last 16 in the Open era despite entering as a wildcard.

Unfortunately she was forced to retire from the match against Ajla Tomljanovic after suffering breathing difficulties - but her success was only a taste of what was to come as she went on to win the US Open without dropping a set in her next Grand Slam, becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a major tournament. Here Express Sport looks at those hoping to follow in her footsteps with a breakthrough at Wimbledon.

Aidan McHugh

McHugh has tasted playing at Wimbledon before having reached the second round of the men's doubles alongside Brit Alasdair Gray in 2021. The 21-year-old Scot experienced a promising junior career having reached the semi-finals of the Australian Boys singles in 2018 and will be looking to build on this experience when he plays Chile's Gonzalo Lama later today.

Anton Matusevich

Having notably won the Battle of the Brits Premier League of tennis in 2020, Matusevich may be Britain's biggest hope of making the main draw. The world No 465 has played in SW19 before having been knocked out in the first round of the 2021 men's doubles alongside Briton Luke Johnson. The 21-year-old will be hoping to build on his experience to make the singles draw for the first time when he plays American Christian Harrison.

Arthur Fery

The world No 693 faces experienced Italian Thomas