Emma Raducanu returns to action with victory over Elise Mertens at Washington Open
Emma Raducanu had a successful comeback at the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington, winning against Elise Mertens from Belgium after a tough three-set match.
The 21-year-old triumphed in the first round match against the eighth seed with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
Raducanu is still working on her return after undergoing surgery on her wrist and ankle. She declined the opportunity to compete for Team GB at the Olympic Games because she didn't want to change to playing on clay at Roland Garros before the upcoming US Open. Instead, she chose to participate in this tournament.
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The winner of the 2021 US Open had already beaten Mertens in their previous match at Wimbledon a few weeks ago, losing only three games. It seemed like she was heading towards another win as she won five games in a row to easily take the first set.
However, Mertens made a comeback in the second set by reducing her mistakes and taking advantage of her only break of serve. This helped her to equalize the match after the former British No 1 had a 40-0 lead in the sixth game.
Raducanu got ahead at the beginning of the final set, but couldn't take full advantage of her 3-1 lead as Mertens fought back, saved two break points, and tied the score at 3-3.
Raducanu successfully defended five break points and then managed to break Mertens. However, Mertens fought back in the following game just as Raducanu was serving for the match.
However, the delay in the outcome was only temporary. Raducanu advanced to match point with a backhand volley and ultimately won the match when Mertens committed her 11th double fault.
"I believe that making it past the initial rounds is always tough. I believe that the first rounds require perseverance and finding a way to progress in the competition, and I am extremely proud of how I handled that challenge," expressed Raducanu.
I believe my mindset and personality are what I am most proud of right now.
I played well in some parts of the match, particularly in the first set and a few moments in the third set. I got a bit distracted in the second set.
"It's tough performing at 11:30. I arrived on Thursday night so I'm still feeling the effects of jet lag."
However, she included: "I was convincing myself, 'I'm staying here. This is not going to happen. I'm not going to lose this game'."
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