MADRID — Emma Raducanu marked her return to the WTA Tour with a gritty three-set victory over Dutch qualifier Suzan Lamens in the first round of the Madrid Open, showcasing her resilience on clay after an eight-month injury hiatus. The 2021 US Open champion, playing her first match since September, battled through a tense 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 win in just under three hours.
Raducanu, who underwent surgeries on both wrists and her ankle last year, admitted to nerves early in the match but praised her ability to "accept the challenge" of competing again. "It's never easy coming back after so long, especially on clay, which isn't my natural surface," she told reporters post-match. "But I trusted my game when it mattered."
A Test of Patience and Adaptability
The 21-year-old Brit demonstrated improved patience in baseline rallies—a necessity on slow clay—but faced stiff resistance from the world No. 146 Lamens, who saved three match points in the second-set tiebreak. Raducanu's statistics revealed her fighting spirit:
- Won 63% of points on second serves (vs. Lamens' 48%)
- Converted 5 of 12 break point opportunities
- Hit 34 winners to 42 unforced errors (improving to 15:8 ratio in decisive third set)
Raducanu acknowledged the rollercoaster nature of the match: "There were moments I felt really in control, then others where I had to dig deep. Clay rewards consistency, and I'm proud I stayed composed after losing that second set." Her ability to reset after the tiebreak loss drew particular praise from coach Nick Cavaday, who joined her team in February.
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
First-Strike Tennis When Needed
While Raducanu largely embraced extended rallies, she smartly injected pace at critical moments—notably striking 12 forehand winners down the line. "On clay, you have to pick your spots to be aggressive," she explained. "I tried to change directions more instead of just grinding side to side."
Improved Movement on Dirt
Despite initial slips, Raducanu's footwork noticeably improved as the match progressed. She won 71% of net points (15/21), demonstrating growing comfort moving forward. "Last year I might have stayed back more, but we've worked on transitioning," she noted. "Clay's about creating angles, and sometimes that means closing at the net—even if it feels unnatural for a baseliner like me."
The Road Ahead
Next awaits a stern test against No. 30 seed Dayana Yastremska, whose powerful groundstrokes present a different challenge. The Ukrainian arrives fresh off a run to the Lyon final in February. Raducanu leads their head-to-head 1-0 (2022 ITF event), but both players have evolved significantly since.
When asked about managing physical demands during this comeback, Raducanu emphasized caution: "We're being smart with scheduling. Madrid's altitude makes the ball fly, which helps my game, but recovery is key. I'll assess day by day—no rushing." Her protected ranking (No. 103) ensures entry into Roland Garros, where she's never progressed past the second round.
Broader Comeback Context
This victory marks Raducanu's first WTA main-draw win since the 2023 Australian Open—a span of 15 months. Since her fairytale US Open triumph, she's battled:
- 3 separate surgeries in 2023 (wrists/ankle)
- 5 different coaches in 3 years
- A drop from No. 10 to current No. 221 ranking
Yet observers noted promising signs in Madrid. "Her backhand down the line was working beautifully today," said former British No. 1 Laura Robson on broadcast commentary. "That's always been her money shot, and seeing it hold up physically is massive."
Looking Forward
With Roland Garros (May 26 start) and Wimbledon on the horizon, Raducanu remains pragmatic: "This is just one match, but it proves the work is paying off. Every win builds confidence. Clay's a marathon—I'm learning to embrace the grind." Should she defeat Yastremska, a potential third-round clash with world No. 5 Maria Sakkari looms—a rematch of their dramatic 2021 US Open semifinal.
As the Madrid crowd applauded her effort, Raducanu's relieved smile post-match said it all. After months of rehabilitation and uncertainty, the young star took her first step toward reclaiming her place in tennis' upper echelons—one gritty clay-court point at a time.