HOBART, Australia — The highly anticipated return of former US Open champion Emma Raducanu to competitive tennis hit a familiar, soggy snag on Tuesday. The Briton’s first-round match at the Hobart International against Colombia’s Camila Osorio was suspended due to persistent rain, forcing the players to return on Wednesday to complete the contest.
Raducanu, playing her first tournament of the 2024 season and her first match since October, had made a promising start on the outdoor hard courts of the Domain Tennis Centre. She secured the first set 6-2, demonstrating flashes of the aggressive, clean ball-striking that propelled her to Grand Slam glory in 2021. However, with Raducanu leading 2-1 in the second set, the skies opened, halting play for the day and leaving the match tantalizingly in the balance.
A Stop-Start Beginning to a Crucial Season
For Raducanu, the rain delay is an unwelcome interruption in what is a critical week of preparation ahead of the Australian Open. The 21-year-old is using the Hobart International as a key warm-up event, seeking match sharpness after an injury-plagued 2023 season that saw her undergo surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. The stoppage denies her the chance to build rhythm and close out a match efficiently—a primary goal for any player returning from a lengthy layoff.
The match itself had offered encouraging signs. Raducanu’s movement appeared fluid, and she was dictating play from the baseline, particularly off her forehand wing. She broke Osorio’s serve twice in the opening set, showcasing a proactive approach. Tennis analyst and former player Laura Robson noted on broadcast, "You can see the intent from Emma. She’s not just rallying; she’s looking to step in and finish points, which is exactly what you want to see after such a long time away."
The Challenge of Camila Osorio
Her opponent, world No. 84 Camila Osorio, is known for her tenacity and exceptional defensive skills. The 22-year-old Colombian is a fighter who excels in extending rallies and forcing errors. While Raducanu dominated the first set, Osorio began to find her range and groove in the early stages of the second, making the rain delay perhaps more beneficial for her as it halted Raducanu’s momentum. Osorio will return to court knowing she has a mountain to climb but with the match situation still live.
The scheduling disruption creates a logistical challenge for both players. The winner of this match is slated to face second seed and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka or Zhu Lin in the second round. A prolonged match completion could mean playing twice in one day later in the week, testing Raducanu’s physical readiness. Key factors to watch when play resumes include:
- Raducanu’s Serve Consistency: She landed 68% of her first serves in the first set, a strong foundation she’ll need to maintain.
- Mental Reset: Can Raducanu recapture her early aggression and focus after the break?
- Osorio’s Adjustment: Will the Colombian come out with a more aggressive game plan to disrupt Raducanu’s rhythm?
Broader Tournament Impact
The rain was not selective, causing widespread delays across the Hobart schedule. Several other first-round matches were postponed or suspended, creating a backlog for tournament organizers. This is a perennial risk for the Australian summer circuit, where swift weather changes can play havoc with the order of play. The tournament will now be under pressure to complete the early rounds on time, potentially leading to earlier start times or matches being moved to indoor facilities, if available.
For the fans, particularly the British supporters who have followed Raducanu’s journey with keen interest, the delay is a frustrating but familiar part of the sport. Many had gathered hoping to witness a confident first step in her comeback trail. Social media reaction was a mix of sympathy and dark humor, with one fan posting, "Rain and Raducanu comebacks, a more iconic duo than most. Fingers crossed for better weather and a strong finish tomorrow."
The Road to Melbourne Park
All roads in Australian tennis lead to Melbourne Park, and the Hobart International is a traditional last-chance tune-up for many. A deep run here would provide Raducanu with invaluable competitive minutes and a significant confidence boost before facing the grueling best-of-five-set format at a Grand Slam. Her projected first-round opponent at the Australian Open is likely to be a seeded player, making match practice in Hobart even more crucial.
The WTA Tour itself has echoed the sentiment of anticipation surrounding Raducanu’s return. In a pre-tournament feature, they highlighted her as one of the stories to watch, stating, "The return of a Grand Slam champion is always a major moment. All eyes will be on Hobart to see how Emma Raducanu navigates her first steps back on tour." The weather, however, had other plans, adding an extra layer of narrative to her comeback story.
Looking Ahead to the Resumption
Play is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, weather permitting. The forecast for Hobart is improved but not completely clear, with only a slight chance of a shower. Tournament officials will be desperate to get back on track. For Raducanu, the task is clear: restart the engine, hold serve to consolidate her break lead in the second set, and close out the match to advance. Any hesitation or dip in level will be pounced upon by the resilient Osorio.
This rain delay, while a minor setback, is the first test of Raducanu’s 2024 campaign. How she manages the disruption, both mentally and physically, will be telling. Her coach, Nick Cavaday, who has recently rejoined her team, will be tasked with helping her refocus. The tennis world will be watching closely to see if the promising form she showed in that first set can be replicated after an unplanned night’s rest.
In conclusion, the story of Emma Raducanu’s Hobart opener is currently on pause. What began as a confident statement of intent is now a suspended animation, a narrative waiting for its second act. The rain may have delayed the proceedings, but it has only heightened the anticipation for her next move on court. As the covers come off and the players walk back out under hopefully clearer skies, one of the season’s most compelling comebacks will resume its course, one point at a time.