Emma Raducanu made a triumphant return to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open with a convincing straight-set victory over Shelby Rogers in the first round. The 2021 US Open champion, who had been sidelined for nearly eight months due to wrist and ankle surgeries, displayed excellent serving and smooth groundstrokes in her 6-3, 6-2 win.
Raducanu, now ranked 296th in the world, will face China's Wang Yafan in the second round. Her performance, marked by a lack of break points faced and a 91% success rate on first serves, demonstrated her talent and left her visibly elated.
Since her historic US Open win, Raducanu has faced challenges, including injuries and illness, impacting both her physical and mental well-being. The Australian Open marks her return to the Grand Slam stage, and her comeback victory against Rogers showcased her resilience.
While Rogers struggled with rustiness and fatigue, Raducanu's confidence was evident in her precise play. As she secured victory with a forehand drive volley, Raducanu expressed joy and relief, acknowledging the support of her team and the cheering crowd. The 21-year-old British player now advances to the second round with optimism for the challenges ahead.
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