Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Emma Raducanu launched her campaign at the Madrid Open with a compelling victory, securing her first triumph on clay courts in over a year. Returning to competition following a short hiatus, the British No. 2 demonstrated resilience by recovering from deficits in both sets to overcome Suzan Lamens 7-6(4), 6-4. Mark Petchey, her consultant coach, observed from the stands.
Raducanu Advances at Madrid Open
Raducanu’s last victory in Madrid dates back to 2022. She withdrew from the 2023 tournament due to surgery and suffered a first-round elimination the prior year. However, the world No. 49 has now progressed to the second round, where she will encounter Marta Kostyuk.
Overcoming Challenges on Clay
The former US Open champion was competing in her inaugural clay court match of the season. In contrast, Lamens had already achieved significant wins on this surface. The world No. 73 had previously defeated British No. 1 Katie Boulter and Germany’s Tatjana Maria at the BJK Cup earlier in the month.
- Lamens reached the semi-final at last week’s WTA 250 in Rouen.
- She upset 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
- She also defeated second seed Linda Noskova during her run.
The Dutch player’s excellent form was evident early, as she secured the initial break, leading 3-2. Nonetheless, Raducanu retaliated swiftly, leveling the score.
The Brit then defended against three more break opportunities later in the set before clinching it in a tiebreak, despite an early setback.
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Resilient Performance Secures Victory
Lamens continued to battle fiercely. She obtained another early break in the second set, but again, Raducanu responded immediately.
The pair exchanged breaks later in the set. Raducanu seized the lead, only for Lamens to equalize at 4-4. However, that was the last game the lower-ranked player managed to win, as the Brit captured the final two games to secure her place in the second round.
Coaching Support and Future Plans
Throughout the match, Raducanu maintained communication with her support team, which included Petchey and Jane O’Donoghue, a close friend and mentor, courtside.
Since parting ways with Nick Cavaday in January, the world No. 49 has not yet appointed a permanent coach. Petchey provided assistance at the Miami Open last month and is collaborating with Raducanu once again during this tournament.
- Petchey serves as a commentator for Tennis Channel.
- Raducanu is reportedly eager to integrate him into her team on a long-term basis.
- However, no formal agreement has been reached.
“We haven’t formalized anything. It’s quite informal at the moment, but it’s progressing positively,” she commented to Sky Sports before the tournament.
“He’s someone I trust due to our long-standing relationship. Currently, it’s working effectively, and I appreciate being with someone I feel comfortable with.”
Looking Ahead: Match Against Kostyuk
Raducanu will now compete against Kostyuk, the 24th seed who received a bye into the second round. Their head-to-head record stands at one win each. Raducanu defeated the Ukrainian in Madrid three years ago showing promise for her continued participation in the