Emma Raducanu claimed victory in her first match since September as she gave Nice Britain a successful begin to their Billie Jean King Cup tie towards Germany in Malaga.
The 2021 US Open champion, who had not performed since retiring from her quarter-final towards Daria Kasatkina on the Korea Open two months in the past after straining foot ligaments, defeated Jule Niemeier 6-4 6-4.
Raducanu saved 5 break factors within the opening set, recovering from 0-40 down at one stage, and though she misplaced serve twice within the second set – together with within the eighth sport after squandering match factors – her three breaks of Niemeier’s serve took her to victory.
Raducanu missed a number of alternatives to clinch the win, on her serve and the German’s, as her lack of court docket time maybe advised, earlier than she lastly transformed a sixth match level.
The 22-year-old’s win put Britain 1-0 up forward of Katie Boulter’s assembly with Laura Siegemund, with Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls primed for doubles motion ought to a deciding rubber be wanted.
Raducanu revealed this week she is in discussions with health coach Yutaka Nakamura about becoming a member of her group – the Japanese has beforehand labored with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka.
The Brit mentioned: “I believe my aim subsequent 12 months is to remain on court docket longer. This 12 months I got here to prime 60 on the planet, however I performed I believe lower than 15 occasions. I do know if I am on court docket and wholesome and competing, I can go even larger and additional.
“I think that my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential. I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and ready to commit to doing that.”
Raducanu’s greatest singles outcome this 12 months is reaching the semi-finals at Nottingham, the place she misplaced to eventual champion Boulter as her opponent rallied from shedding the primary set in a tie-break.
Ought to Britain defeat Germany within the Billie Jean King Cup, they are going to advance to a quarter-final towards Canada on Sunday.
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