Emma Raducanu showcased her mental clarity during an impressive performance in the first round of the LTA’s HSBC Championships. The 2021 US Open winner breezed past qualifier Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour at Queen’s, overcoming a brief rain delay. Raducanu’s return to form was evident as she secured her first victory since March, delivering a strong and focused game.
Expressing her satisfaction with the match, Raducanu noted her strong start and the natural flow of her play without overthinking. Reunited with coach Andrew Richardson, who guided her to victory at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu quickly took a 3-0 lead after breaking Blinkova early on. Despite a temporary pause due to rain, she resumed play seamlessly, dominating the court with her formidable forehand and clinching the first set in just 20 minutes.
Raducanu continued her impressive performance in the second set, displaying a variety of powerful shots including a standout cross-court backhand winner. Although Blinkova mounted a brief comeback to level the score at 3-3, Raducanu regained control, winning the last three games and sealing the match with a stylish backhand winner.
Delighted to be back on the grass court, Raducanu expressed her love for the surface and the support of the fans. She reflected on her pride in her performance and looked forward to the upcoming matches. For more updates on the British summer grass court season, fans can visit the LTA website.