Emma Raducanu has kicked off her Australian Open campaign with a dominant straight-sets victory on Tuesday.
The former US Open champion stormed to a 6-3, 6-2, win over America’s Shelby Rogers in less than 90 minutes. The victory is her first in a Grand Slam tournament since returning to the Tour following surgery on both of her wrists and one of her ankles last year. In her latest match, the Brit hit a total of 16 winners and capitalised on her rival’s unforced error count of 35.
“I’m very happy to have come through that. I think being my first slam match back, it is definitely a little bit extra sweet.” Said Raducanu.
“I knew going in Shelby’s a player with experience. She’s had some great wins in her career. I knew I was going to have to try my best to neutralize her serve and focus on mine.’
“I’m happy with the way I came through that today.”
Raducanu was particularly impressive behind her serve and didn’t face a single break point in the match. Overall, she won 91% of her first service points which was significantly higher than her second (50%). She is currently being mentored by Nick Cavady who she also used to work with during her childhood years.
“It’s nice to be with Nick,” she said. “I’ve known him since I was a kid and I feel very comfortable there. In all aspects of my life, I feel like are calming down and settled.’
“When you come back after eight months, have experienced three surgeries, you’re just really grateful to be able to move freely.”
In Melbourne, the world No.296 is aiming to win back-to-back matches at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since winning the 2021 US Open. At that tournament, she stunned the draw by coming through qualifying en route to the title without dropping a single set.
Raducanu will next take on Wang Yafan from China who came back from 0-6, 0-3, down to upset 22nd seed Sorana Cirstea 0-6, 7-5, 6-2. It will be the first Tour-level meeting between the two.
