Emma Raducanu Triumphs at Mubadala City DC Open Amid Comeback Journey

Emma Raducanu marked her return to competitive tennis with a hard-fought victory over Belgium's Elise Mertens at the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington. The 2021 US Open champion, who is recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries, opted to skip the Olympic Games to focus on her preparation for the upcoming US Open, choosing this tournament over a return to clay courts at Roland Garros. Raducanu started strong, dominating the first set by winning five consecutive games. However, Mertens rallied in the second set, minimizing her errors and capitalizing on a crucial break of serve to level the match after trailing. The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Raducanu initially breaking early in the final set but struggling to maintain her lead as Mertens fought back to tie the score at 3-3. Despite the challenges, Raducanu demonstrated resilience, saving five break points and ultimately breaking Mertens again. The match was a testament to her mental fortitude, as she expressed pride in her mentality and character throughout the contest. "I was telling myself, 'I'm not leaving. This is not happening,'" she remarked, reflecting on her determination during the match. As the tennis world gears up for the hard-court season leading to the US Open, fans can look forward to watching top players compete in upcoming tournaments, including the National Bank Open and Cincinnati Open, broadcast live on Sky Sports.