Emma Raducanu produces statement straight sets victory against Elise Mertens to advance to the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu advanced to the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon after sealing a dominant straight sets victory against Elise Mertens on Wednesday. 

The British tennis star, who received a wildcard to the tournament, had advanced to the second round after besting lucky loser Renata Zarazua in her opening match on Monday.

Despite stating that she had 'won ugly' during that match, she followed that up with a very impressive 6-1 6-2 victory against the Belgian star, who is ranked No 33 in the world. 

After claiming victory, Raducanu admitted that she felt she had 'played some really great tennis' having broken Mertens twice in the opening set to take a 5-0 lead, affording her oppnent one game, before taking the set.  She would break her opponent twice again in the second set, this time taking a 5-1 lead, allowing Mertens to take a game back, before wrapping up the match.

The 21-year-old will now either face ninth seed Maria Sakkari or Dutch player Arantxa Rus in the third round.

'It makes me feel unbelievable (being here), I feel so so welcome here, and honestly, Court 1 is my favourite court,' she said, lapping up the atmosphere in front of her home crowd. 

'I think I played some really good tennis today, I'm really pleased,' she added. 

It was an all-round performance from the British star, who saved two break points in the match while hitting 22 winners to her opponent's 14. 

Following a difficult year, undergoing multiple surgeries on several wrist and ankle problems, Raducanu admitted that she was elated to be back at Wimbledon.  

'I'm over the moon to be playing here and just to extend my stay by one day, so I'm so grateful to everyone. 

'Especially with the roof closed, it's so loud! I'm really grateful to everyone for making a lot of noise.'

On what she did differently today compared to Monday, Raducanu added: 'I think the most important thing is focusing on myself. I did that really well today, I took care of my business. I think staying in the zone, in your own environment is the best thing to do serving out the match.'

Earlier on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Raducanu would be partnering up with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles in a sensational British alliance. 

Raducanu has previously admitted that it is her dream to play alongside the three-time Grand Slam Champion, but stated that she was humbled to have been asked to play alongside Murray, in what is expected to be his final appearance at the All England Championships.

'I mean, I'm not sure - my doubles record isn't exactly the longest or most vast. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he's such a hero to all of us,' she said. 

'It's a real gift and a real honour. A moment I could never say no to, and I'm looking forward to learning to a couple of things, about coming to the net or whatever!'

More to follow...