Emma Raducanu marked her return from harm with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Danka Kovinic within the first spherical of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Raducanu’s participation in her first match since shedding to Coco Gauff within the second spherical of the Australian Open in January had been thrown into doubt after it was revealed that the wrist downside that troubled her final season had returned.
However the British No. 1, who pulled out of final week’s occasion in Texas and an exhibition match earlier this week, delivered a composed efficiency, regardless of clearly not being at 100%, to go to the following step.
Raducanu educated at Indian Wells on Wednesday with straps on each wrists, nevertheless it was the 20-year-old’s current bout of tonsillitis that appeared to trigger her probably the most discomfort all through Thursday’s sport .
Raducanu misplaced the primary two video games, however fought again within the third earlier than capitalizing on a string of unforced errors from Kovinic to win six straight and declare the primary set in 33 minutes.
Nevertheless, regardless of his first set triumph, Raducanu struggled to breathe between the factors and misplaced the primary two video games of the second set.
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2021 US Open champion Raducanu says she does not assume she’s hit all-time low after struggling for kind since that Grand Slam win in New York and says she’s slowly getting again to full health
But identical to within the first, the British star instantly fell again, successful 4 successive video games earlier than reserving his place within the subsequent spherical to choose up simply his third win of an injured season in an hour and 22 minutes.
She is going to face Polish participant Magda Linette for a spot within the third spherical.
“It was a very good match,” Raducanu mentioned. “Danka is an especially powerful opponent. I used to be anticipating a battle and I am simply glad I pulled it off.
“I am glad I persevered. Being down is clearly powerful, however mentally I solely took one level at a time.”
Wanting ahead to his subsequent opponent, Raducanu added: “Magda has had an excellent season and his outcomes show it. I am wanting ahead to the match and I am pleased to play one other spherical at Indian Wells.”
Earlier, Jack Draper pulled off a formidable 6-1 6-1 victory over Leandro Riedi to succeed in the second spherical.
Draper, enjoying his first match since shedding to Rafael Nadal within the first hurdle of the Australian Open in January, wanted simply 56 minutes to defeat Swiss qualifier Riedi.
The 21-year-old will face fellow Briton Dan Evans for a spot within the third spherical.
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