Raducanu Triumphs in Nottingham Open Comeback
On May 31st, the Nottingham Open witnessed a triumphant return for British sensation Emma Raducanu as she kicked off her grass-court season with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Ena Shibahara. Playing her first match since April, the 21-year-old Raducanu showcased her resilience, overcoming a late wobble to secure a 6-1, 6-4 win.
Returning to the venue of her very first WTA match in 2021, just months before her stunning US Open triumph, Raducanu wasted no time asserting her dominance. She broke Shibahara in the opening game, setting the tone for a dominant first set performance. The British number six proved too strong for her predominantly doubles-focused opponent, securing two more breaks to wrap up the opening set comfortably.
Raducanu’s momentum continued to build as she raced to a 5-1 lead in the second set, seemingly on the verge of a straightforward victory. However, a momentary lapse in concentration allowed Shibahara to claw her way back, breaking Raducanu’s serve on three occasions to level the set at 5-5.
“I think I played a really good match,” Raducanu remarked. “At the end, I think inevitably if you’re 6-1, 5-1 up, something probably could go wrong. I was trying to not let it get to my head and just preparing and fighting for each point.”
Undeterred, the former US Open champion regained her composure, breaking Shibahara once more to seal the match on her first match point.
Raducanu’s victory sets up a second-round clash with Ukraine’s Daria Snigur, who defeated compatriot and second seed Marta Kostyuk in straight sets. The young Briton’s successful return to grass-court tennis marks an important step in her preparation for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, where she will look to build on her captivating 2021 triumph.
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