Emma Raducanu in action at Rothesay Open as she starts grass court season ahead of Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu admits Nottingham’s Rothesay Open will always hold a special status in her remarkable tennis journey.

The 19-year-old from Orpington kickstarts her grass court season against Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic today (Tuesday).

Raducanu captured the nation’s hearts by soaring to Grand Slam glory at last year’s US Open after also reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon to cement her status as one of the hottest prospects on the global circuit.

The world No.11 has fond memories of Nottingham and hopes toppling Golubic - ranked almost 100 places below her - can lay the foundations for another rise to the summit.

“It signifies the start of a journey for me," said Raducanu.

“I went to Nottingham to receive my Wimbledon wildcard so it definitely does bring back some really fond memories.

“The year before Nottingham, I didn’t play a competitive match for 18 months so I was very nervous.

“I got to practice for the first time this week on grass. I’ve always loved the grass courts, so to come back and be playing at home is great. I’m looking forward to it

“This was my first WTA tournament so to come back 12 months later full circle knowing what happened, it is pretty surreal.

“I’m quite proud of what I’ve achieved in the last 12 months and learning to not be so hard on myself.

"I’m really enjoying my time right now and I believe in the work that I’ve been doing day in, day out. The grass season is going to be a lot of fun.

“I love the grass, but there are so many good players in the draw. I don’t really think about results much any more because there’s no use in that.

“I think I’ve improved in many aspects of my game, there are a few things that I want to get back but I feel I’ve made a lot of progress.

“Compared to the player