Emma Raducanu, visibly emotional during the match, staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set to defeat American Ann Li 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-1 in the opening round of the Lexus Eastbourne Open. Raducanu revealed that she had received “pretty bad news” just before stepping onto the court.
The British number one, seeded seventh at Devonshire Park, fell behind by a set and a break against the world number 64, who was a finalist in the 2017 Wimbledon girls` singles. Despite the challenging conditions, Raducanu managed to regain control of the match.
Upon securing the victory on her fourth match point, Raducanu dropped her racket and allowed her emotions to surface.
During her post-match press conference, the 22-year-old addressed her reaction, stating:
“I received some pretty bad news, so I would like to keep it personal, if that`s OK? But it was difficult, very emotional at the end and probably just a release of different emotions.”
Raducanu has been managing a back issue since competing in Strasbourg before the French Open and took a medical timeout during her Queen`s Club quarter-final loss earlier this month. However, apart from a slip on the grass in the first set, she appeared to navigate her opening match without physical setbacks.
In her on-court interview, the former US Open champion expressed her gratitude:
“I feel incredible. I just want to thank the crowd for getting me through some really sticky moments. It really meant a lot to me and I`m really proud of how I fought back after losing the first set.
It was a tough match. Ann was hitting winners from all over the place and it was obviously very windy, but I`m just very happy to come through that, so thank you.
It was up and down, but from the middle of the second set I found an extra gear, I found an extra level, and I`m really proud of how I came through that.”
Regarding her collaboration with coach Mark Petchey, Raducanu commented: “It`s working really well. I`m looking forward to playing tomorrow, and looking forward to Wimbledon as well.”
The two-hour and 18-minute victory over Li sets up a second-round encounter with 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint, who caused an upset by defeating two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur.
Harriet Dart`s Close Call Against Wimbledon Champion Barbora Krejcikova
Harriet Dart suffered a heartbreaking defeat to reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, blowing two match points on her serve in a rain-affected match. Despite challenging, blustery conditions and two suspensions of play, the British number four pushed the former Grand Slam winner to the brink.
Krejcikova, who won last year`s Wimbledon final against Jasmine Paolini, narrowly avoided a first-round exit, fighting back to win 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 7-5 in two hours and 40 minutes. Her opponent in the second round will be another Briton, Jodie Burrage, who defeated Japan`s Moyuka Uchijima 6-3, 6-2.
Dart expressed her frustration at not converting her opportunities against the 2021 French Open champion, letting out a scream as the game slipped away. The 28-year-old has only two career wins against players ranked higher than Krejcikova`s current world number 17: Daria Kasatkina (world number nine) at the 2022 US Open and Paula Badosa (world number 13) at the Billie Jean King Cup later that year.
Dart commented: “Some crazy conditions today. I was pretty close. I missed a ball on match point and then she played a really good point on my other match point, and then she becomes a bit freer. It was a tough match overall. My level was 10 times better than I`ve played the last two weeks. For me that`s more important, especially going to Wimbledon. Of course I`d like to have won. But I was also playing a very experienced, multiple Grand Slam winner.”
Elsewhere, British number three Sonay Kartal lost 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to 2021 Eastbourne champion Jelena Ostapenko.
In the men`s draw, Billy Harris won the all-British clash, upsetting Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4. British number two Jacob Fearnley also advanced, defeating fifth seed Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-2.
British qualifier George Loffhagen was defeated 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-6 (7-1) by American Reilly Opelka, while Ilkley Open runner-up Jack Pinnington Jones lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Portuguese eighth seed Nuno Borges.
Bernard Tomic Ends Long ATP Win Drought in Mallorca
Australia`s Bernard Tomic secured his first ATP main draw victory since 2021 at the Mallorca Open, coming back from a set down to beat Rinky Hijikata 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
The 32-year-old, once ranked 17th in the world and a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2011, is currently ranked number 248. Tomic has faced criticism throughout his career for his off-court behavior and controversial remarks.
French Open Semi-finalist Lois Boisson Falls in Wimbledon Qualifying
Surprise French Open semi-finalist Lois Boisson was defeated in the first round of Wimbledon qualifying. The 22-year-old, who surged from world number 361 to 65 after her impressive run at Roland-Garros, lost 6-2, 6-7 (1-7), 6-4 to world number 197 Carson Branstine of Canada at the Roehampton qualifying site.
Boisson, making her Grand Slam main draw singles debut at Roland Garros, defeated top-10 players Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva before being stopped by eventual champion Coco Gauff. Despite being the top seed in the Wimbledon qualifying draw, her grass-court run ended early.
The Wimbledon main draw is set to begin on Monday.
