Emma Raducanu secures first 2026 win with straight-sets
NEW YORK: 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu defeated Camila Osorio in straight sets after their match at the Hobart International was suspended because of rain here at Center Court on Wednesday, claiming her first victory of the season.
The British 23-year-old had won the first set but trailed the Colombian 4-2 in the second when play halted. However, she reversed that break disadvantage on her comeback on Wednesday and let out a yell of excitement after earning a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) triumph.
Top seed Raducanu avoided having to play two matches on the same day as second-round opponent Magdalena Frech withdrew with injury. Instead, the former US Open champion moves on to a quarter-final against Australian wildcard Taylah Preston on Thursday as she ramps up her Australian Open preparations. Reflecting on her triumph, Raducanu cited it as the challenging match, praising Camila’s performance while expressing satisfaction with her own resilience in overcoming the obstacles.
“Very, very difficult match. We played under all conditions and coming on and off a few times was really difficult,” Raducanu said. “I don’t think I’ve slept over many matches in between so that was a new one for me. “I thought Camila played an incredible match. I’m just really pleased with how I came out today and turned it around.”
It is pertinent to mention that Raducanu lost to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup last week on her return from a foot injury that had bothered her throughout the preseason. Web Desk
