"Definitely feels really good to get a win here in D.C" - Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu made a winning return to North America winning her first-round Washington matchup with 6-4 6-2.

The score would indicate that it was an easy match and while comfortable it was far from easy. It took Raducanu an hour and 27 minutes to get the win against Louisa Chirico and speaking after the match Raducanu admitted it was a relief to get the win.

"Definitely feels really good to get a win here in D.C. I think playing any first round is always pretty challenging. Then when you're not necessarily that match-sharp, small things you don't necessarily get right. It's just important to stay calm."

A very pivotal part of the season is coming up for Raducanu as a poor North American stretch could see her drop out of the top 100 which would be a disaster after she recently made her top 10 debut. A good start in Washington is certainly a good start towards avoiding that fate.