Emma Raducanu returned to the tennis courts on New Year’s Day in Auckland, Australia, where she faced Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round of the ASB Classic.
According to The Guardian, it was the first match Raducanu had played since April. The 21-year-old was forced to sit out most of the 2023 season after having surgery on both wrists.
Raducanu beat Ruse in three sets: 6-3 4-6 7-5. The U.S. Open winner appeared to be cruising in the first set but then lost the second set. According to BBC, she let a 5-2 lead slip in the third set but eventually rallied to win the set 7-5.
“It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus but I’m grateful to be healthy, I’m grateful to be able to move my body and not bedridden or in a wheelchair,” Raducanu said during her post-match interview, per ESPN.
“It’s pretty amazing to just be out here and playing and I’m just really happy to be back on the tour and can’t wait to start this season and carry on hopefully injury-free and healthy.”
Raducanu will now face no. 2 Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16.
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