'Feel good in my body': British star Emma Raducanu shrugs off injury concern in rocky first round win
A rocky build-up to her first match of the season was not enough to rattle Emma Raducanu as the British star dismissed Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets.
The 22-year-old overcome early trouble with her service game to defeat the 26th seed Russian 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) in front of a stacked crowd at Melbourne Park.
The match marked the first time Raducanu had competed since November at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, but the match exposed flaws in the armoury of both players.
LIVE UPDATES: Australian Open 2025, day 3 results
READ MORE: Osaka dudded by 'shocking' Hawk-Eye call
READ MORE: 'Not cool': Great's plea to wayward 'genius' Kyrgios
Raducanu served 15 double faults and made 30 unforced errors, winning just 30 per cent of points on her second serve.
While the errors were of concern in the first set, Raducanu went on to smash 22 winners and nine aces before dominating the second set tiebreak.
"I think my serve had a mind of its own," she laughed after being asked about how her delivery shifted between the first and second sets.
Emma Raducanu (R) of Great Britain shakes hands with Ekaterina Alexandrova (L). Getty
"It was good to be able to rely on other parts of my game today that I know are quite strong, as well.
"I'm just very proud that I didn't let it affect me too much and let the match run away from me.
"I think I just want to look at it [the result], celebrate it for what it is, and just kind of move on."
Plagued by injury in recent years, Raducanu said she's regained confident in her body and mind and is focused on a deep run at the Australian Open.
The optimism comes as a promising sign for fans, given just a month ago she was forced to withdraw from the Auckland International due to a back concern.
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
But the 2022 US Open champion admitted the two-set battle was the ideal start for her first match back on tour.
"I think for me playing two sets was good, but equally, I felt pretty fit out there," Raducanu said.
"Right now I feel good in my body as well. I think it's just a testament to the work I'm starting to do off the court. I didn't necessarily feel any restrictions.
"I think first rounds there's always nerves," she continued.
"I feel like every player in the draw would think that. I think it's just about overcoming it and getting through first rounds.
"I love playing the slams. I love playing the big tournaments, of course, but you do feel a little bit more excitement and buzz at these tournaments, especially with how busy it is."
Emma Raducanu celebrates winning against Ekaterina Alexandrova. Getty
Raducanu said she changed her fitness routine to assist with her rehabilitation, but is maintaining the same scheduling choices to remain "in the zone."
"It's just important to stay focused and in the zone," she said.
"I think I'm doing a good job with that, just how I go about my day and business.
"That's all I can do, and I'm just going to keep doing it."
Raducanu has yet to make it past the second round at Melbourne Park and will face another higher-ranked player in American Amanda Anisimova next.
Anisimova, ranked 35, recently returned from a nine-month mental health break and claimed victory in her first round match in straight sets.
