Emma Raducanu made a winning return at the Auckland Classic in her first match after eight months out with injury.
The Briton started strongly but had to fight through a tense deciding set to win 6-3 4-6 7-5 against world number 134 Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Raducanu led 5-2 before twice failing to serve out the match and missing two match points on Ruse’s serve.
But the 21-year-old broke again for a 6-5 lead and eventually closed out the match on her fourth match point.
After the final point the 2021 US Open champion, who needed a wildcard to enter the tournament having dropped to 301 in the rankings, covered her face with her hand in a celebration mixed with pleasure and relief.
The tougher test of second seed Elina Svitolina awaits in the second round.
“It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus, but I’m grateful to be healthy, grateful to be able to move my body, not bed-ridden and in a wheelchair,” Raducanu said.
“I can’t wait to be out here, start this season and be happy and healthy.”
Raducanu had surgery on both wrists and her left ankle in May and played just nine matches in 2023.
