ASB Classic: Raducanu wins comeback match; to meet Svitolina next

The former US Open champion edged out Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 and will face Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, the second seed, in the next round

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Haresh Ramchandani

January 2, 2024

ASB Classic •Third round • completed

See draw

E. RusevsE. Raducanu

Playing her first match in eight months due to an injury layoff, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu came away a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 over Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse to advance to the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The 21-year-old Brit underwent multiple wrist and ankle surgeries last year and due to her inactivity, she has slipped outside the top 300. But the Brit was the first one to get off the blocks, winning the first set 6-3. After Ruse took the second set, it was Raducanu, who went up 5-2 in the decider before Ruse fought back to 5-5.

Eventually, Raducanu completed the win 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in 2 hours and 27 minutes to set up a second round clash against the No 2 seed Elina Svitolina.

“It’s pretty amazing to just be out here and playing,” Raducanu said as quoted by BBC. “I’m just really happy to be back on the tour and can’t wait to start this season and carry on hopefully injury-free and healthy. It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus, but I’m grateful to be healthy, grateful to be able to move my body, not bed-ridden and in a wheelchair.”

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