Emma Raducanu celebrated her long-awaited return from damage with a gutsy three-set win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse within the first spherical of the ASB Basic in Auckland.
The previous British No 1, who was enjoying her first match since April following operations on each her wrists and one ankle, held off a combat again from the Romanian qualifier to progress 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
Talking on courtroom after the match Raducanu was clearly happy to be again on tour.
“It’s tough after having such a protracted hiatus,” she mentioned. “I’m grateful to be wholesome, grateful to have the ability to transfer my physique and never be bedridden on in a wheelchair. I’m simply actually glad to be again on the tour and might’t wait to start out this season and keep on hopefully injury-free and wholesome.”
Raducanu’s preparations for the upcoming Australian Open will proceed with a tricky last-16 tie in opposition to second seed Elina Svitolina.
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