Raducanu ‘accepted challenge’ to earn hard-fought clay win

In the first round of the Madrid Open, Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens defeated Emma Raducanu to reclaim the WTA Tour.

The British number two won 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on outdoor clay for the first time in almost a month while competing for the first time in almost a month.

Before immediately regaining control of the set, Raducanu broke into each set and won the match to take the lead.

She won for the first time in almost three years on outdoor clay.

“I’m pleased that I didn’t try to make too many excuses or complain too much to myself or my box,” Raducanu told BBC Sport.

After reaching last month’s Miami Open quarter-finals, Raducanu decided to skip a 10-day training period in Los Angeles.

The world number 49 was there watching as she defeated Lamens in her first clay-court match of the season while also working with Mark Petchey, who is informal coaching her there.

In the second round, Raducanu, 22, will face Marta Kostyuk, the 24th seed in Ukraine.

The other two Britons’ first-round matches on Wednesday had mixed results.

Sonay Kartal, the third British player, defeated Jaqueline Cristian 6-2, 7-5, but Francesca Jones, who lost to Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, is out.

In her first clay-court match of the year, Raducanu frequently talked about using “resilience” to win victories and needed to show it again.

Lamens, who is ranked 73rd in the world, has developed skillfully over the past year and is more than comfortable on the field.

After a hectic season, Raducanu missed out on “resting” her body by defeating British number one Katie Boulter earlier this month.

In the opening set, Raducanu frequently struggled to control Lamens’ thumping forehand, but she recovered from a break down and saved three more break points in the ninth game to halt her rival.

Her impressive recent performance in these circumstances, and showing it once more, has helped to improve the 2021 US Open champion’s mentality.

Petchey frequently offered praise and encouragement at crucial moments, sat in her box with long-time friend Jane O’Donoghue, who had a long relationship with Raducanu.

In the second set, Raducanu had to play more aggressively as Lamens attempted to pin her back behind the baseline.

After she had adjusted to Madrid’s fast-paced clay conditions, the Briton also had flashes of brilliance.

In a protracted seventh game, Lamens failed to hold serve, and a running forehand down the line and a thunderous winner added more pressure.

However, the way to victory was challenging. Before a frustrated Lamens stuttering once more, Raducanu shakily lost his 4-for-4 serve, giving the Briton yet another confidence-boosting victory.

“I had to fight and survive some very challenging situations,” Raducanu continued.

When your opponent is hitting great shots, it’s easy to become enraged and wonder, “Oh my God, they’ve hit the line so many times.”