Emma Raducanu secured her spot in the second round of the Madrid Open by defeating Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in straight sets.
The British No. 2 won a challenging match with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. Her victory sets up a meeting with Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk as Raducanu`s clay-court season begins.
Raducanu previously faced Kostyuk in Madrid three years prior, also winning in straight sets, and will aim for a similar result in their upcoming match.
The 22-year-old fought hard to win the first set tie-break against the Dutch No. 1. She then gained a crucial advantage in the second set by breaking serve at 5-4 on her second opportunity.
Raducanu sealed the victory in the subsequent game, converting her first of two match points when Lamens hit a forehand long.
The 2021 US Open champion has not had a permanent coach since splitting with Nick Cavaday in January. However, Mark Petchey has become a leading candidate, having worked with her temporarily at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals, alongside her long-term mentor Jane O`Donoghue.
Petchey will continue assisting Raducanu on an `informal` basis, beginning with the Madrid Open.
