Raducanu lauds patience following first-round Eastbourne win

By Abi Curran

Emma Raducanu lauded her patience on the grass after she cruised through to the second round of the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne in straight sets.

The 21-year-old wild card took the first set 6-4 against Sloane Stephens before securing an emphatic victory in the second 6-0.

The former British No. 1 is currently ranked 168th in the world following time off court through wrist and ankle operations last year.

The Bromley ace enjoyed an encouraging run to the semi-finals of the LTA’s Rothesay Open Nottingham and insists she has found her spark on the surface.

She said: “For me, it was a case of adapting to the court, I’ve never played in Eastbourne, I've never played on this Centre Court.

“Every court plays a little bit differently and, in the beginning, I was just figuring out which is the best way for me to play and use my game.

“It was a very close first set and I was down quite a bit and managed to break but it was difficult because Sloane is super athletic and in the first set especially she was making a lot of balls.

“It took a lot to try and hit through her and I think I managed to figure it out in the second set.

“I could really hear the crowd and feel it. It’s a lot bigger court than in Nottingham so it’s really nice to see so many people out there in the heat.

“I really like it here, the weather especially is beautiful so I’m going to make the most of that.”

Raducanu missed the French Open this summer but is feeling back to her best after a win in Eastbourne and will look for a repeat win against second qualifying seed Jessica Pegula, who won her first grass-court title at the Berlin Open last week.

Last week, Raducanu was awarded a Wimbledon singles wild card and will take to the main draw alongside British No. 1 and 2 Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart.

She added: “The case is just recovering, I managed to figure out how to play on these courts.

“The balls get really heavy here so it’s a case of trying to hit through, get the ball speed up and getting ready to go tomorrow.”

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