Emma Raducanu Celebrates Comeback With Victory Over Shibahara In Nottingham

Emma Raducanu made a successful return from injury at the Nottingham Open with a straight-sets victory over Ena Shibahara. The 21-year-old opted to miss Roland Garros and focus on her grass season, with the decision paying off as she earned a 6-1, 6-4 win on Tuesday.

Raducanu cruised through the first set and looked set to race through the second as well when she took a commanding 5-1 lead. Shibahara upped her level and got a double break as errors crept into the Briton's game to force a nervy ending to the set, but Raducanu held out to get her first win on grass since Wimbledon in 2022. She will now face Daria Snigur in the next round.

Smiles all around @EmmaRaducanu picks up the win in her opening match in straight sets!

#RothesayOpen pic.twitter.com/7M7lbDfOdb

— wta (@WTA) June 11, 2024

Raducanu has been out of action since exiting the Madrid Open in April, but she impressed in her opener in Nottingham. Despite the nervy end to the game when Shibahara showed some fight, Raducanu was in full control, winning seven games in a row, while also converting six of her eight break points.

Her performance marks a positive start to her grass season, setting a strong foundation for upcoming matches. The next challenge for Raducanu will be against Daria Snigur, where she aims to continue her winning momentum.