Emma Raducanu banished her Madrid Open demons of last year as she overcame Suzan Lamens in straight sets to kick off her clay campaign. Raducanu had to recover from a break down in both sets to claim a 7-6 6-4 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, showing grit 12 months on from first-round heartache in the same competition, where she suffered arguably her worst loss of 2024 to Maria Carle. With “informal” coach Mark Petchey at courtside, the Brit survived three break points in the ninth game of the first set to force a tiebreak, which she won 7-4 to draw first blood in the Spanish capital.
With the pressure on Lamens, the Dutchwoman became increasingly frustrated as her service game deteriorated, something which was punished by Raducanu as she took the second set 6-4, booking her place in the second round and setting up a clash with Ukraine’s Mata Kostyuk, the 22nd seed.
Raducanu, who reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open last month, demonstrated resilience throughout the match. After going down a break in both sets, she showcased her fighting spirit, particularly in the first set where she had to fend off three break points. The tiebreak was a pivotal moment, and Raducanu's 7-4 victory in that segment set the tone for the match.
Throughout the match, Raducanu's performance was punctuated by emphatic fist pumps and strategic conversations with her box, which featured Mark Petchey and Jane O’Donoghue. This informal coaching setup seems to be paying dividends, as Raducanu continues to regain her footing on the WTA tour.
In the second set, Raducanu faced more challenges, but her ability to stay composed under pressure was evident. Lamens, who had previously defeated British No. 1 Katie Boulter in the Billie Jean King Cup, was expected to be a tough competitor. However, Raducanu's experience and determination shone through, allowing her to capitalize on Lamens' errors.
As the match progressed, Raducanu's aggressive play began to frustrate Lamens further. The Dutch player struggled with her service game, committing several double faults that ultimately cost her crucial points. Raducanu's ability to seize these opportunities was a testament to her improved mental game and tactical awareness.
Looking ahead, Raducanu will face Marta Kostyuk in the next round, a player she has previously beaten in Madrid. This upcoming match will be crucial for Raducanu as she seeks to build on her momentum and continue her ascent in the tournament.
In her post-match comments, Raducanu reflected on the importance of this victory. "It feels great to start my clay season with a win, especially after the disappointments of last year. I had to dig deep today, but I’m happy with how I managed to turn things around," she stated.
With the Madrid Open running from April 22 to May 4, Raducanu's performance today sets a promising tone for her campaign. Fans will be eagerly awaiting her next match, hoping to see her continue to defy expectations and reclaim her place among the top players in women's tennis.
Overall, Raducanu's victory is not just a win; it's a signal of her resilience and a reminder that she is a force to be reckoned with on the clay courts. As she prepares for her next challenge, the tennis world watches closely, eager to see how far she can go.
