Raducanu Wins First Round at Korean Open, But Struggles to Find Her Best Form
Emma Raducanu kicked off her Korean Open campaign with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Yuriko Miyazaki in a first-round match that saw the 2021 US Open champion struggle to find her best form.
A Tight First Set
The first set was a tight affair, with both players exchanging breaks early on. Miyazaki, ranked 112th in the world, was a formidable opponent, showcasing impressive athleticism and a strong baseline game. Raducanu, ranked 24th, struggled to find her rhythm, making a number of unforced errors. However, she managed to break Miyazaki's serve in the tenth game to clinch the first set 6-4.
Dominant Second Set
The second set was a different story altogether. Raducanu seemed to find her groove, hitting her groundstrokes with more power and accuracy. She broke Miyazaki's serve in the first game and never looked back, winning the second set 6-0.
A Mixed Performance
Despite the win, Raducanu's performance was far from flawless. She hit 24 unforced errors in the match, highlighting a need to improve her consistency. However, she also showed flashes of brilliance, hitting some impressive winners and showcasing her trademark powerful serve.
Moving On
Looking ahead, Raducanu will need to raise her game if she wants to make a deep run in the tournament. She faces a tough second-round matchup against Anna Blinkova, a Russian player known for her powerful groundstrokes.
A Positive Start
Despite the inconsistent performance, the victory is a positive start for Raducanu in Seoul. The 20-year-old is looking to rebuild her confidence after a challenging few months. A good run in Korea could be just what she needs to regain her momentum.
