Emma Raducanu hits a sneaky good slice backhand in her comeback match against Ruse. Looks like she’s learned some new tricks since that incredible US Open run. Great to see her back on court. ❤️
Finally, Emma Raducanu's return to the Tour was realized at the WTA 250 ASB Classic after 9 months during which she underwent surgeries on both wrists and one of her ankles, forcing her to take a long recovery break. In her first match, she demonstrated a competitive level and defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
Fans were surprised by the great performance of the 2021 US Open champion, who, despite the time away from competition, lived up to expectations in the tournament's first round. In the second round, she will face a tough challenge against the second seed and world No. 25 Elina Svitolina, who comes from defeating the former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
Emma Raducanu hits a sneaky good slice backhand in her comeback match against Ruse. Looks like she’s learned some new tricks since that incredible US Open run. Great to see her back on court. ❤️
In her last months, Raducanu's performance on the Tour was far from her best, securing inconsistent results with a record of 5-5. Since claiming the epic title at Flushing Meadows, the British player has not advanced beyond the second round in any of her five subsequent Grand Slam appearances. She only reached the fourth round in a WTA 1000 event once, falling short of expectations for the former world No. 10."
“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 said after the match. "Thanks for all the support throughout the journey," she added.
The triumphant return of Raducanu excites fans, raising hopes that this time she can showcase the talent she has already demonstrated and emerge as one of the key figures on the women's tour. Some even consider her a contender for the Grand Slam tournaments of 2024:
“I saw some of the highest level of ball striking in the first set. Reckon she could win a couple of slams this year. Iga's #1 spot in danger.”
I saw some of the highest level of ball striking in the first set. Reckon she could win a couple of slams this year. Iga's #1 spot in danger.
Back from an eight-month injury layoff with a BANG 💥 @EmmaRaducanu defeats Ruse and will next face No.2 seed Svitolina in Auckland! #ASBClassic
Here are some other comments from fans who highlighted Raducanu's notable triumph in Auckland:
She looked very good against a very tough opponent in Ruse. 9 months gone but didn’t look like it
I'm BEYOND proud of our Emma!! She still has things to work on for sure but winning her first match back after 8 months off and three surgeries is amazing and her fitness looked better than before she left imo. Very encouraging. KEEP IT UP EMS!! 😍👏🇬🇧💕
Great win for Emma against a good friend. For the most part she served pretty well until she got understandably tight at the end, never easy to close out especially having been out injured for 8months, she moved great, looks lighter, fitter. Happy for Emma, Svitolina next👏👏✌️
I’ve been on the “one hit wonder” side since her US Open win, but I sincerely hope she gets the comeback player of 2024 award!!! You Go Emma!!
I have the unpopular opinion that this was a really favorable draw for Emma, Ruse is her best friend, Emma brought Ruse to some exhibition matches that were profitable for Ruse, she wouldn’t defeat Emma on her comeback, sorry but we will see her real level vs Svitolina
Solid win given the 9 month lay off but Svitolina next will be the real test to see where she’s at. Encouraging though to see her keep her fitness levels up when the match hit 2hrs+, regularly struggled with that in the past. #ASBClassic
Back from an eight-month injury layoff with a BANG 💥 @EmmaRaducanu defeats Ruse and will next face No.2 seed Svitolina in Auckland! #ASBClassic
Great to see Emma Raducanu back to winning ways - after a little wobble she showed resilience to clinch it on her fourth match point. The smile at the end says it all.
Back from an eight-month injury layoff with a BANG 💥 @EmmaRaducanu defeats Ruse and will next face No.2 seed Svitolina in Auckland! #ASBClassic
Great start to 2024 for Emma Raducanu, getting both a win and plenty of court time. She'll be a significant underdog against Svitolina next, but it'll be interesting to see how she tests the Ukrainian. #ASBClassic
Back from an eight-month injury layoff with a BANG 💥 @EmmaRaducanu defeats Ruse and will next face No.2 seed Svitolina in Auckland! #ASBClassic
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