Emma Raducanu made a stunning return to the court with a gripping first-round victory at the Korea Open in Seoul. Faced with a formidable opponent in American Peyton Stearns, Raducanu demonstrated resilience and skill, coming out on top in a match that showcased her grit and determination.
Coming off an early exit at the US Open, this match marked Raducanu's first competitive appearance since then. Despite her hiatus, the 70th-ranked Briton showed no signs of rust as she immediately broke Stearns, ranked 48th in the world, in the opening game. The first set was a rollercoaster, featuring no fewer than eight breaks of serve. It ultimately culminated in a tie-break that Raducanu clinched 7-6 (7-4) after an intense 74-minute battle.
Raducanu appeared poised to close out the match with a more commanding display in the second set. She surged to a 5-3 lead and found herself serving for the match. However, Stearns, showing the fight that has marked her ascent up the rankings, managed to break Raducanu's serve. The American even took a 6-5 lead, forcing Raducanu into yet another tie-break. It was here that the young Briton's mettle truly shone through. She edged out Stearns 7-6 (7-5) in a nail-biting 89-minute set, bringing the total match time to just over two hours and 43 minutes.
"I'm proud to have made it through to the next round. It was tough and very humid," Raducanu said after her hard-fought victory. The match was a test of both physical and mental endurance, highlighting Raducanu's ability to perform under pressure. "It was a tough match to get through. I haven't played many matches in the last few months," she acknowledged, referencing the challenges she faced in finding her form after a break from competition.
Raducanu's opponent, Peyton Stearns, is indeed no pushover. Hailing from the United States and ranked significantly higher, Stearns has been in fine form, making Raducanu's victory all the more impressive. "Peyton is a really good player in good form so I'm really pleased," Raducanu admitted, recognizing the quality of her adversary.
With this victory, Raducanu advances to the next round of the Korea Open, where she will face Yue Yuan from China. Currently ranked 40th in the world, Yuan presents another solid challenge for Raducanu as she continues her journey in Seoul.
The win is a promising sign for Raducanu, who has experienced an up-and-down year marked by injuries and inconsistency. But her performance against Stearns serves as a reminder of the talent that saw her rise rapidly through the ranks last year. As Raducanu looks ahead to her next match, her fans can take heart in the determination and skill she displayed in Seoul, suggesting that the young star is far from done making her mark on the tennis world.