Emma Raducanu grateful to be healthy and back on court after nine months: "Not bedridden or in a wheelchair"
WTA
Emma Raducanu is back in business with a successful return to the court seeing off Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will now tackle the blockbuster tie against Elina Svitolina in the second round.
Raducanu dazzled at times, but also showed some signs of rust including in serving out the contest which saw the Brit flounder from 5-2 up and nearly hand the tie the way of Ruse. But she found a way to bounce back and what was most important to her post match was just being healthy and not bedridden through injury. This after she said in the lead up that she had to be in a wheelchair and couldn't go to the supermarket after surgery.
“It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus. I’m grateful to be healthy & able to move my body.. Not bedridden or in a wheel chair," said Raducanu post match.
"It’s amazing to be out here & playing. I’m just really happy to be back on the tour. Can’t wait to start this season & carry on, hopefully injury free & healthy.”
A player merely grateful to be back on the court and one that could yet play the main draw at the Australian Open with only one withdrawal now needed due to the news that Petra Kvitova will become a mother led to her withdrawal.
But this was a spot that was in doubt anyway for the Czech player. Raducanu will next face a tough test which will really show her level in Svitolina who impressed against Wozniacki and was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. But is this the start of a similar charge from Raducanu? Time will tell.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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