Emma Raducanu has ended her eight-month absence from Tour with a roller-coaster first round win at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The former US Open champion battled to a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, win over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a match that had plenty of twists and turns. Raducanu looked to be in control of proceedings after clinching the opener in less than 40 minutes before her opponent came fighting back at the start of the second frame. Then in the decider, the Brit’s nerves were sternly tested as she lost a 5-2 lead and failed to convert two match points in the process. Despite the blip, Raducanu managed to break once again before finally closing out the match after a forehand from her opponent crashed into the net.
“It was a match with ups and downs,” the former world No.10 said afterwards.
“It’s difficult playing a friend. I love being back in Auckland and I’m having a blast so far.” She added.
Tuesday was the first time Raducanu had played a competitive match since her second round defeat at the Porsche Open last April. She has been sidelined from action after undergoing surgery on both of her wrists, as well as one of her ankles.
“It’s difficult after having such as long hiatus but I’m grateful to be healthy and to be able to move my body,” she said.
“Not being bedridden or in a wheelchair. So it is pretty amazing to be back out here and playing.’
“I’m just really happy to be back on the court and I can’t wait to start this season and carry on hopefully injury-free.”
Awaiting the 21-year-old in the next round will be second seed Elina Svitoliva who beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3, in her opening match. Although it wasn’t an entirely straightforward victory for the Ukrainian who dropped serve three times. Svitolina is bidding to become the first player from her country to reach the final of the tournament.
“It was really special for me to get such a great win today against Caroline,” she said.
“She’s a great player and I’m really glad she came back,”
Elsewhere at the tournament, top seed and defending champion Coco Gauff began her campaign with a 6-4, 6-2, win over compatriot Claire Lu. Gauff got off to a perfect start by racing to a 4-0 lead before getting broken twice later in the first set. However, in the second frame, she didn’t face a single break point.
“I definitely needed to be tested and I feel like I played well today for my first match in a while,” said the world No.3.
“There’s obviously things I can do to improve but I’m happy with the win,” she added.
It is the first time since 2012 that all eight seeded players have made it through to the second round in Auckland.
