(Tennis news) Emma Raducanu made her comeback from injury in dominant fashion, defeating Danka Kovinic 6-2 6-3 in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open (also known as Indian Wells). It was the 20 year old’s first match since her second round elimination to Coco Gauff in the Australian Open and her participation in this tournament was in doubt due to a wrist injury. Her injury concerns forced her to withdraw from an exhibition event earlier this week but displayed a very composed performance against Kovinic despite not being 100% fit enough.
The British tennis star was seen strapping both her wrists ahead of the tournament and has recently recovered from tonsillitis which appeared to be causing her discomfort in the match against Kovinic. Raducanu lost the opening two games but bounced back in the third and took advantage of unforced errors by Kovinic to win six consecutive games and win the opening set in 33 minutes. She appeared to be struggling with breathing between points after recently recovering from tonsillitis and lost the first two games in the opening set.
However, just like the first set, Raducanu went on to win four successive games and booked her place in the next round by securing just her third win of an injury hit 2023 season so far in a match that lasted one hour and 22 minutes. She will now face Polish player Magda Linette for a place in the third round. Speaking after the match, Raducanu said “It was a good match. Danka is an extremely difficult opponent. I was expecting a battle and I am just glad to get through. I am happy I stuck in. Being a break down is obviously difficult, but mentally I just took it one point at a time.”
Speaking about her match against Magda Linette, Raducanu said “Magda has had a great season and her results prove that. I am looking forward to the match and happy to be playing another round at Indian Wells.” In other results, Jack Draper defeated Leandro Riedi 6-1 6-1 to reach the second round. Draper was playing in his first match since losing to Rafael Nadal and needed just 56 minutes to overcome Riedl and will now take on Briton Dan Evans in the next round.
Also read: Emma Raducanu withdraws from charity exhibition ahead of Indian Wells
