An emotional Emma Raducanu fought back tears on court after clinching a hard-fought victory in the first round of the Korea Open in Seoul. The 2021 US Open champion displayed a raw mix of relief and frustration following her win, a performance that came amidst a storm of controversy off the court.
The 21-year-old British number one battled past world number 101 Magdalena Fręch with a score of 6-7(9) 7-6(7) 6-2 in a gruelling match that lasted over three hours. The physical and mental toll was evident as Raducanu struggled to contain her emotions during her post-match interview.
Controversial Snub Overshadows Win
Raducanu's triumph in Seoul was set against a backdrop of disappointment after she was notably omitted from the Great Britain team for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup finals. Captain Anne Keothavong opted for the experienced Heather Watson and debutant Francesca Jones instead, a decision that has sparked debate within the tennis community.
This omission comes despite Raducanu's recent improved form and her status as the highest-ranked British player. The emotional reaction following her first-round win in Korea suggests the snub has hit the young star hard.
A Gruelling Battle on Court
The match itself was a testament to Raducanu's resilience. After losing a tense first-set tiebreak, she found herself staring down a match point in the second set. Showing the fighting spirit that made her a household name, she saved it and clawed her way back to force a decider.
In the final set, a rejuvenated Raducanu found her rhythm, breaking Fręch's serve twice to seal the marathon victory. The win marks a positive step in her comeback from multiple surgeries that sidelined her for much of the previous season.
All eyes will now be on Raducanu to see if she can channel her evident emotion into a deep run in Seoul, proving a point to those who doubted her readiness for the national team.
