Emma Raducanu wins first official match in 2023

Emma Raducanu made a winning start in Auckland beating fellow talent Linda Fruhvirtova in three sets 4-6 6-4 6-2 to earn first win in new year.

Raducanu has high hopes for 2023 and so far it's going well. The British player overcame a slow start to take down Linda Fruhvirtova in three sets. It was an exciting match in many respects. The start was slow by Raducanu and she didn't find many solutions to Fruhvirtova early. Towards the end, she risked more but it didn't pay off as the Czech player managed to pull it out 6-4.

Raducanu responded well in the second but she needed a scare. Fruhvirtova broke her once more for the 2-1 lead and it was only then that Raducanu started to play much better. She turned the score in her favour immediately taking a 4-2 lead. From there she comfortably held it to win the set 6-4.

The final set was particularly impressive from Raducanu because she did not drop her level at all. As Fruhvirotva collapsed physically, Raducanu stayed sharp and kept applying the pressure. She jumped out to a 5-0 lead quickly and then held to win it 6-2. A good win that showed her improved physical conditioning.