Emma Raducanu marks return with first-round win in Auckland

Emma Raducanu marked her return to competition after an eight-month absence with a 6-3 4-6 7-5 victory over world No. 134 Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Auckland Classic on Monday.

In the build-up to the tournament, the former US Open champion had said she felt “reborn” after an injury that blighted her 2023 and saw her undergo surgery on both hands and the left ankle. She played just nine matches last year and saw her world ranking drop to 301st.

Raducanu, who received a wildcard into the Auckland Classic, comfortably won the first set before being caught in the second by a resolute Ruse. The Romanian survived three break points in the first game, then broke in two of the next three to win the set.

The former British number one took a 5-2 lead in the third set, but Ruse came back and sent him to the tiebreaker. But Raducanu held on and ultimately prevailed to seal progression to the next round, where she will face second seed Elina Svitolina.

“It's difficult after such a long break, but I'm grateful to be healthy, I'm grateful to be able to move my body and not be bedridden or in a wheelchair,” Raducanu said on the field after her victory.

“It's pretty amazing to be here and playing and I'm really happy to be back on tour and I can't wait to start this season and continue hopefully injury-free and healthy. “

The Auckland Classic is the perfect preparation for Raducanu ahead of the Australian Open for which she will need to qualify to advance to the main draw.