Raducanu delighted with UK comeback as she sweeps through in Nottingham

By James Reid

Emma Raducanu was pleasantly surprised by her own performance as she claimed victory on her long-awaited return to grass at the LTA’s Rothesay Open in Nottingham.

Raducanu missed the entirety of last summer’s grass court season after undergoing surgery on both wrists and an ankle, meaning it was 713 days since her last game on the surface when she stepped out to face Ena Shibahara on Tuesday.

But the 21-year-old showed few signs of rust as she eased past her Japanese opponent 6-1 6-4 despite a minor wobble at the end of the second set.

She said: “I was very pleased to come through that. It wasn’t easy, I haven’t played a match in a while and playing someone who has come through qualifying and is used to the conditions.

“I am very surprised in a way by how well I came out and played but on the other hand I have been doing some great work.

“I am more just happy with how I was in myself; my demeanour was great, my attitude was great. For me that’s the most important thing. I know if I have that, the tennis will follow.”

Raducanu breezed through the first set, dominating on her own serve and looked set to wrap up the match in an under an hour when 5-1 up in the second.

But Shibahara fought back to twice break the Briton before Raducanu regained her control to break back and seal victory.

Raducanu received a rapturous reception from the Nottingham crowd throughout the 70-minute encounter, and the 2021 US Open champion admitted there was something special about playing on home soil.

“An element of me forgot what it was like to play at home and have that much support. It’s amazing, it’s a great feeling,” she added.

“I am very lucky to have great support wherever I go and play but there’s nothing quite like coming and playing in the UK in front of everyone on the grass.

“It’s something not just me but all the Brits really cherish and look forward to every year.”

Raducanu will face Ukrainian Daria Snigur in the second round after she beat compatriot and second seed Marta Kostyuk 6-3 6-3 in her opener.

It will be a familiar face for Raducanu, who faced off against her opponent at junior level, and the 21-year-old knows she is in for a difficult encounter.

“She’s a very unorthodox player to play,” said Raducanu. “Someone with amazing hand skills and is really good at deflecting pace, is really good at making you move.

“She is someone I grew up playing in juniors but I haven’t actually spent that much time on the court with her.

“I just know she makes life difficult for the opponent and it’s just important I focus on my end of the court.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.