2024-01-04 14:35:25
The Briton was defeated in three sets by Elina Svitolina (6-7, 7-6, 6-1). An encouraging performance nonetheless before the Australian Open.
Like Rafael Nadal among the men, Emma Raducanu also made her comeback on the courts this week, after a long absence linked to wrist and ankle injuries. If the Briton had managed to cross the threshold of the 1st round in Auckland by defeating the Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse, she had to admit defeat this Thursday against Elina Svitolina.
Seeded number 2 in the New Zealand tournament, the Ukrainian nevertheless had to work hard to overcome Raducanu, who won the first set in the tiebreaker after leading 5-1 (7/6) before losing the next also in the tie-break. The third set was one-sided in favor of Svitolina, who will face the Czech Marie Bouzkova in the quarters.
For her part, the winner of the US Open in 2021 was delighted with her performance of the day: “I can remember that I played at a high level for two long sets. I’m proud of how quickly I was able to level up, because Elina doesn’t give you anything. To be able to play like I did for two sets, in my second match back, it’s very encouraging.» Raducanu will have the opportunity to confirm her return during the Australian Open, where she entered the main draw after the injury of the American Lauren Davis.
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