Resilient Emma Raducanu triumphs in rollercoaster opener against Ekaterina Alexandrova

Emma Raducanu debuted with a victory in a rollercoaster Australian Open opener by 7-6(4), 7-6(2). The Brit defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in a tight match marked by the inconsistency of both players. The lack of match rhythm was evident for the 2021 US Open champion, who nonetheless managed to handle the tension better.

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Raducanu showed signs of her lack of competitive rhythm in the first set, making frequent unforced errors and committing five double faults in her first three service games. Both players seized break opportunities, with two breaks each between the 4th and 7th games.

After Alexandrova held serve to level at 4-4, both struggled with their serves again. Raducanu committed more double faults and appeared vulnerable on her second serve, winning only 18% of points on it during the set. Alexandrova, however, also seemed uncomfortable on court.

The pressure got to the Russian as she served for the set, committing errors and a double fault that handed Raducanu a crucial break. Encouraged by the crowd, Raducanu gained confidence. In the tiebreak, both players were more effective on returns than serves, but Raducanu ultimately secured the set. The Russian finished with 12 unforced errors, while Raducanu had 14.

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The second set followed a similar pattern, with some engaging rallies overshadowed by frequent errors. Both remained closely matched in their first and second serve effectiveness. Raducanu gained an early break and led 4-3 before Alexandrova fought back to level at 4-4. Raducanu broke again and served for the set, but a timely response from the 26-year-old Russian secured another break following a double fault by the Londoner.

Once again, everything was decided in a tie-break after Raducanu saved a set point against her in the 12th game on her serve. However, in the tie-break, the Brit quickly imposed her rhythm, playing aggressively and dominating the early stages to lead 6-0 at the change of sides. Alexandrova saved a couple of points before the end, but Raducanu ultimately secured the victory 7-6(4), 7-6(2).

In the second round, she will face Amanda Anisimova (No. 35), who comfortably defeated Argentina's Maria Lourdes Carle (No. 89) 6-2, 6-3 in her opener.

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