Emma Raducanu is pleased with her development since recovering from her injury nightmare.
In Auckland, Emma Raducanu was defeated in three sets by Elina Svitolina.
Emma Raducanu finally has a great week to look back on after her return at the ASB Classic in New Zealand, if there is no injury hangover.
Not only did the 21-year-old demonstrate that her level of play has survived surgical surgeries on her wrists and ankle, but she also gained a berth in the Australian Open main draw in the last few days, allowing her to plan ahead.
Raducanu was pleased with her performance in the second round of the Auckland Open against Elina Svitolina, probably the best player in recent years who has yet to win a major title.
After an eight-month career layoff, the former US Open champion came within a few points of victory in the deciding set before succumbing 6-7, 7-6, 6-1.
‘It’s quite thrilling for me,’ Raducanu remarked. ‘I’ve just played two matches and have had very little court time. I’ve been training at the LTA (National Tennis Centre in Roehampton) for the last few months, but I’ve had a few setbacks with my wrists and ankles.
‘Being back up to speed in such a short period of time is a fantastic indicator. I’m excited for the season. It’s only the first week; there will be many more to come.’
Raducanu wore strapping on her right leg for yesterday’s match, and her mobility, which had been flawless in the opening two sets, was noticeably labored by the finish.
Assuming this was simply ring rust, she can now choose whether to seek wildcards (or enter qualifying) for next week’s WTA events in Adelaide or Hobart, or to play exhibition matches in Melbourne.
The first two sets were possibly her finest since the 2021 US Open, against a Svitolina opponent who is more tough than her ranking of 25 suggests (the Ukrainian missed a lot of previous season).
Raducanu’s hard powered groundstrokes and impressive defensive play around the back of the court caused numerous problems.
As it was before her operation in May, a doubt about her mental and physical stamina remains. She has only played 16 three-set matches since winning the US Open 26 months ago, losing nine of them. She should play a lot more.
‘My intensity just plummeted,’ acknowledged Raducanu. ‘I need to learn to maintain that better for longer if I’m going to battle with these players for three sets.
It was amazing for two sets, but you can’t win all of your matches in two sets. If you want to go toe-to-toe for three, the intensity must be stronger for a longer period of time.’
Raducanu had a chance to win in straight sets after leading 3-1 in the second-set tiebreak until missing two forehands. She also had break points at 7-6, 4-3, but has at least proven to herself that she has a lot to work on.
Liam Broady of Stockport should have clinched a spot in the world’s top 100 after reaching the second round of the Hong Kong Open. Broady pushed world No. 5 Andrey Rublev before falling 6-4, 7-6 yesterday.
He will still have to go through qualifying at the Australian Open next week.
