Emma Raducanu 'did everything she needed to do' in 'clinical' return ...
ByEurosport
Updated 16/01/2024 at 11:51 GMT
Raducanu takes opening set in impressive fashion against Rogers
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Raducanu – appearing at a Grand Slam event for the first time since last year’s Australian Open – secured a 6-3 6-2 win in the first round in one hour and 18 minutes.
She will face Wang Yafan next, and speaking after the match, former world No. 9 Durie praised Raducanu’s performance.
“She’ll be so happy with that,” began Durie on commentary for Eurosport at the end of the match.
“She did everything she needed to do. She was solid as a rock. Very well played.
“[I liked] the amount of winners she was getting. She served well enough and was going after it.
“I thought Emma kept it nice and compact, tight, knew what she was doing, looked confident, and it was a good match."
Raducanu makes strong start to Grand Slam return with win - Australian Open highlights
Henman called Raducanu’s performance clinical, but also noted the emotional element to the win following her long hiatus from the sport.
“I’m sure that’s going to be such an emotional win for her,” added Henman in the Eurosport Cube.
“To go out there and put in such a clinical performance - 6-3 6-2 - in what looked like tricky conditions, pretty windy out there, I’m sure she’ll be absolutely delighted to be through to round two.”
Raducanu has two days’ rest ahead of her next match – a second-round showdown against world No. 94 Wang Yafan on Thursday.
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Barbara Schett added that it appears that Raducanu now trusts her body after multiple injuries.
“She just wants to play on the big stages,” said Schett.
“This was a great start for Emma at the Australian Open, and maybe it’s a good omen that she’s beaten Shelby Rogers just like she did at the US Open, but she looks fit, healthy, strong out there on the court, and she looks convinced, and that’s the most important thing. That she doesn’t doubt herself. I can’t wait to see more matches from her here.”
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