Emma Raducanu once again showed her patented grit and determination today, recovering from a handful of setbacks to win her French Open first-round match.
Facing Wang Xinyu, the Chinese star represented an awkward opening clash for the 22-year-old who has enjoyed a strong clay-court season thus far.
However, Raducanu’s back problems were a worry heading into the event, especially given how they troubled her in Strasbourg the week earlier.
Despite seeing the doctor during a medical timeout, there seemed to be no treatment done to her back. A fresh issue had emerged, and thus new problems for her to overcome.
Emma Raducanu reacts to her medical timeout
Having recovered well following that time-out, she admitted to TNT Sports: ’I don’t feel great. I would have felt worse had I have lost that match but I was really struggling from the start.
‘She was a tough opponent. She can really take the racket out of your hand and I was really just flat but happy to find a way.
‘The opening rounds are never easy and I haven’t been here in three years so I think it was just a combination of a lot of things but happy to have got through.’
Emma Raducanu then continued to praise her grit on the day: ‘It was extremely important [to regain the momentum]. I wasn’t exactly feeling very energetic so I knew I had to start well because that would give myself the best chance to keep fighting and keep going for every point. I just managed to get a good feed so when I lost serve at the end it wasn’t the end of the world but happy to have broken.
‘I can take positives. I’m sure a lot of top champions, top players have saved match points, really struggled, but they’ve given themselves another opportunity in the draw despite how they’re feeling. I think that’s a big quality and not necessarily easy to teach.
‘A shot is easier to work on whereas character, heart and fight really came through today and I’m very proud of that.’
Emma Raducanu sets up huge Roland Garros clash vs Iga Swiatek
Things will get no easier for the Brit, who, having come through a tough opening-round match against Wang, now has the pleasure of facing the defending champion.
Iga Świątek came through her match today in straight sets, looking rock-solid against Rebecca Šramková.
However, the fifth seed has looked vulnerable at times throughout this clay-court season, which should give Raducanu cause for optimism.
Were she to beat Swiatek at the French Open, it would surely represent the greatest win of her career thus far, aside from her obvious US Open triumph in 2021.
She needs to go out and swing freely, relishing the challenge whilst realising that, on her day, this youngster can challenge the very best the WTA has to offer.
Hopefully, she can find fitness before then to be 100% ready for the challenge ahead.
