British number one Emma Raducanu returned to winning ways with an impressive performance in Romania, claiming her first victory since her early exit at the Australian Open and the subsequent end of her coaching partnership with Francis Roig.
The 23-year-old delivered a confident and controlled display at the Winners Open, brushing aside Belgium’s Greet Minnen in straight sets with a 6-0, 6-4 victory. The match lasted just over an hour, during which Raducanu showcased her aggressive baseline game and sharp movement, sending a clear message that she is eager to rebuild momentum early in the season.
As the top seed at the WTA 250 event, Raducanu entered the tournament under pressure to respond after a difficult few weeks. She did so convincingly, racing through the opening set without dropping a single game and maintaining her composure in the second to close out the contest in 70 minutes.
Raducanu struck three aces during the match and consistently applied pressure on Minnen’s serve, creating multiple break-point opportunities. She converted four breaks of serve overall, underlining her dominance and ability to dictate play from the first ball.
The victory marks an important psychological lift for Raducanu, who had not won a match since being eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open last month. That defeat came at the hands of Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, who secured a 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 win in a match that left Raducanu visibly frustrated with her form and decision-making.
Shortly after her Melbourne exit, Raducanu and Spanish coach Francis Roig parted ways, bringing an end to a partnership that had promised stability but ultimately proved short-lived. The split left Raducanu searching for what would be the 10th coach of her professional career, a statistic that has often drawn attention and debate around her development.
Despite the off-court uncertainty, Raducanu appeared focused and composed in Romania, playing with clarity and confidence. Her movement looked sharp, her shot selection more decisive, and her body language suggested a player determined to move forward rather than dwell on recent setbacks.
Raducanu will now face Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan in the second round on Wednesday, a match that is expected to provide a sterner test. Juvan is known for her consistency and defensive skills, meaning Raducanu may need to show patience as well as aggression to progress further in the tournament.
The Winners Open represents an opportunity for Raducanu to build match fitness and confidence away from the spotlight that often follows her at the sport’s biggest events. With ranking points and rhythm on offer, a deep run in Romania could help set the tone for the coming months.
Since her breakthrough triumph at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has experienced a challenging journey marked by injuries, coaching changes, and fluctuating form. While expectations remain high, she has repeatedly stressed the importance of focusing on long-term development rather than immediate results.
Elsewhere, British tennis also enjoyed success as Sonay Kartal advanced to the last 16 of the Abu Dhabi Open with a hard-fought victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. Kartal claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (10-8) win in a tightly contested match that tested her mental resilience.
Kartal showed composure under pressure, particularly in the second-set tie-break, where she saved multiple set points before sealing the match. The win continues her steady progress on the WTA Tour and provides valuable experience against established opponents.
The 22-year-old now faces a significant challenge in the next round, where she is set to take on Switzerland’s top seed Belinda Bencic. The matchup will offer Kartal a chance to measure herself against one of the tour’s most consistent performers and could prove pivotal for her confidence moving forward.
For British tennis, the positive results from Raducanu and Kartal offer encouragement as players look to establish form early in the season. With several tournaments approaching and rankings to protect or improve, every win carries added significance.
Raducanu’s performance in Romania, in particular, will be closely watched as she continues to navigate a transitional phase in her career. While one victory does not define a season, it provides a crucial foundation on which she can rebuild confidence and rediscover her best tennis.
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