MATCH REPORT | 2024 ASB Classic: Emma RADUCANU's comeback bid falters after deciding set thrashing against Elina SVITOLINA
WTAThursday, 04 January 2024 at 09:22
Elina Svitolina drew out the ties which sent those at the ASB Classic into a gasp and also herself as she faced Caroline Wozniacki with the potential of Emma Raducanu following that and the Brit nearly took a huge step in her comeback bid but faltered in the final set in Auckland.
It was a 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 win for Svitolina who took the usual WTA route of two tough sets followed by an easy one with Raducanu tiring out and nearly being bagelled. Understandable given that at points she was looking like she was going to win and was taken to two tough tie-breaks after nearly a year out. Next up for the former US Open champion will be the Australian Open. For Svitolina, the toughest player left in barring Gauff awaits in Marie Bouzkova.
Raducanu had some going as far as touting her for Grand Slams after one match against Ruse and had fans purring again in the opening set as she went 5-1 up against Svitolina. But the Ukrainian showed great resolve to make it 5-5 and push the Brit to a tie-break.
She made good use of the drop shot from there to hold her nerve and take the set to a tie-breaker sealing it. She was broken in the second set by Svitolina, but recovered a 3-1 deficit to make it 4-3 and looked potentially likely to head towards the finishing line. She broke again but was unable to see it out which proved the fatal blow as lapses in concentration saw Svitolina take it to a tiebreak again which proved to be the nail in the coffin as Raducanu was taken to a final set.
One that was dismal for Raducanu albeit positives to take away from her return to action albeit with suspect strapping on her thigh only one match into her comeback showing her injury woes might not be over yet.
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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