Raducanu Powers Through Illness to Reach French Open Second Round, Joined by Fearnley and Boulter
British tennis star Emma Raducanu fought through illness to secure a gritty 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over China’s Wang Xinyu in the first round of the French Open on Monday, at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old, battling sickness and a recent back spasm from the Strasbourg Open, needed 2 hours and 44 minutes to overcome Wang, setting up a daunting second-round clash with four-time champion Iga Swiatek. This marks Raducanu’s second appearance in the main draw and matches her best Roland Garros result from 2022.
Raducanu required medical attention during the match, with her blood pressure and temperature checked at 6-5 in the first set. Despite a low-energy second set where Wang took a 6-4 edge, Raducanu regrouped in the third, capitalizing on Wang’s 54 unforced errors to seal the win. “I’m really happy that I was able to do that… despite all of that, being able to come through against a really tough opponent today, I’m really proud,” Raducanu said, admitting she hasn’t felt 100% in recent days.
Swiatek, who dispatched Rebecca Šramková earlier, acknowledged Raducanu’s threat. “She won the US Open. She can play great tennis… I’ll be ready,” the Pole warned, highlighting their past encounters.
Joining Raducanu in the second round are fellow Brits Jacob Fearnley and Katie Boulter. Fearnley stunned Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2, relishing the challenge against the 2015 French Open champion. “I really enjoyed it… part of the battle was just not letting that kind of get to my head,” Fearnley said. Boulter advanced with a 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-1 win over French qualifier Carole Monnet. However, Jodie Burrage’s Roland Garros debut ended with a 7-6 (1), 6-4 loss to Danielle Collins, despite a valiant effort following a year sidelined by injuries.
The British trio’s progress adds intrigue to the tournament, with Raducanu’s next test against Swiatek looming large.
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